Nash Edgecombe Wilson Community Action, Inc.

05/26/2026

The end of April through May has been a busy and exciting season of professional development for NEWCA, Inc. families and staff!
We kicked things off by attending the South Carolina Fatherhood Conference, where NEWCA fathers, mothers, staff, and community partners participated in impactful training sessions designed to strengthen parenting skills and family engagement. Through workshops and networking opportunities, the conference highlighted the critical role fathers play in a child’s development. Sessions focused on creativity and expression, language and literacy, male health and wellness, and strategies for meaningful family involvement.
A special thank you to staff member Adrian Poole for representing our agency during the opening session with an inspiring call-to-action response, and to Head Start Director Tanya Trainer Dennis for coordinating the logistics that made this experience such a success.
Next stop — San Antonio, Texas!
Our Head Start Director, Education Manager, and Center Directors attended the HighScope IGNITE Conference, where they engaged in training centered around NEWCA, Inc.’s research-based early childhood curriculum. Staff gained valuable resources, innovative ideas, and opportunities to connect with HighScope leaders to deepen their understanding and application of best practices for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. Since returning, staff have already begun reflecting and developing action plans to enhance instructional practices, strengthen responsive interactions, and increase individualization in the classroom.
We wrapped up the month with an incredible learning opportunity for our Kitchen Managers through our first-ever “Look Who’s Cooking” Training!
During this three-day interactive and collaborative experience in Raleigh, staff were recognized, educated, and inspired in their important role of providing nutrition to children and supporting overall child development. Kitchen Managers participated in relational-based activities, guest lectures, group engagement, excursions, and mental health and wellness sessions. They also received updated information on dietary guidelines, health and safety regulations, nutrition practices, menu planning, promoting fresh local foods, and strategies for increasing family engagement around nutrition.
At NEWCA, Inc., we remain committed to investing in continuous learning and development so we can better serve children, families, and our communities.

05/26/2026

The end of April through May has been a busy and exciting season of professional development for NEWCA, Inc. families and staff!
We kicked things off by attending the South Carolina Fatherhood Conference, where NEWCA fathers, mothers, staff, and community partners participated in impactful training sessions designed to strengthen parenting skills and family engagement. Through workshops and networking opportunities, the conference highlighted the critical role fathers play in a child’s development. Sessions focused on creativity and expression, language and literacy, male health and wellness, and strategies for meaningful family involvement.
A special thank you to staff member Adrian Poole for representing our agency during the opening session with an inspiring call-to-action response, and to Head Start Director Tanya Trainer Dennis for coordinating the logistics that made this experience such a success.
Next stop — San Antonio, Texas!
Our Head Start Director, Education Manager, and Center Directors attended the HighScope IGNITE Conference, where they engaged in training centered around NEWCA, Inc.’s research-based early childhood curriculum. Staff gained valuable resources, innovative ideas, and opportunities to connect with HighScope leaders to deepen their understanding and application of best practices for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. Since returning, staff have already begun reflecting and developing action plans to enhance instructional practices, strengthen responsive interactions, and increase individualization in the classroom.
We wrapped up the month with an incredible learning opportunity for our Kitchen Managers through our first-ever “Look Who’s Cooking” Training!
During this three-day interactive and collaborative experience in Raleigh, staff were recognized, educated, and inspired in their important role of providing nutrition to children and supporting overall child development. Kitchen Managers participated in relational-based activities, guest lectures, group engagement, excursions, and mental health and wellness sessions. They also received updated information on dietary guidelines, health and safety regulations, nutrition practices, menu planning, promoting fresh local foods, and strategies for increasing family engagement around nutrition.
At NEWCA, Inc., we remain committed to investing in continuous learning and development so we can better serve children, families, and our communities.

05/01/2026

05/01/2026

Today, we were proud to welcome volunteers from PNC Financial Services and the PNC Grow Up Great program to AJ Richardson Head Start! 💙

Our preschoolers enjoyed an engaging story time that sparked imagination, curiosity, and a love for learning. In addition, PNC generously provided resources to support outdoor play, helping us create enriching spaces where children can grow, explore, and thrive.

Partnerships like this truly show that it takes a village. When organizations invest in our children, they help build stronger futures for families and communities.

We are deeply grateful for PNC’s continued commitment to early childhood education and for making a meaningful impact in the lives of our students.

03/12/2026

🎉 Celebrating 33+ Years of Dedication and Service🎉
Today, we proudly recognize and celebrate an incredible milestone for one of our outstanding Center Directorsat Nash Edgecombe Wilson Community Action Head Start. After more than 33 years of dedicated service, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the lasting impact she has made on our children, families, staff, and community.
For over three decades, her leadership, compassion, and commitment have embodied the mission of Head Start—to promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of young children through quality early learning, health, and family engagement—while also reflecting the purpose ofCommunity Action: helping people and changing lives by empowering families to achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
As she begins this exciting next phase of life, we wish her nothing but the very best—filled with joy, relaxation, new adventures, and well-deserved time with family and friends.
Thank you for 33+ years of service, leadership, and love for our community. You will always be a valued part of the Nash Edgecombe Wilson Community Action family. 💙

03/11/2026

🎉 Celebrating 33+ Years of Dedication and Service 🎉

Today, we proudly recognize and celebrate an incredible milestone for one of our outstanding Center Directors, Ms. Shelia Strickland at Nash Edgecombe Wilson Community Action Head Start. After more than 33 years of dedicated service, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the lasting impact she has made on our children, families, staff, and community.

For over three decades, her leadership, compassion, and commitment have embodied the mission of Head Start—to promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of young children through quality early learning, health, and family engagement—while also reflecting the purpose of Community Action: helping people and changing lives by empowering families to achieve stability and self-sufficiency.

As she begins this exciting next phase of life, we wish her nothing but the very best—filled with joy, relaxation, new adventures, and well-deserved time with family and friends.

Thank you for 33+ years of service, leadership, and love for our community. You will always be a valued part of the Nash Edgecombe Wilson Community Action family. 💙

03/02/2026

Our Head Start families showed up in a powerful way at our recent Breakfast with Dadevent! 🥞💙
There is something incredibly meaningful about seeing fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and father-figures sitting side-by-side with their children to start the day together. Events like this strengthen the bond between parent and child and reinforce an important message:Your presence matters.
At Head Start, we believe parent engagement is not just participation — it is partnership. When fathers and male role models are involved, children feel supported, valued, and motivated to learn.
Thank you to all the dads and father-figures who made time in their busy schedules to show up, share a meal, and create lasting memories. Your involvement makes a lasting impact far beyond the breakfast table.

02/06/2026

We are pleased to inform everyone that school will resume tomorrow following the recent snow days. We look forward to welcoming all students and staff back for a full day of learning. Please arrive on time and prepared for the day. See you tomorrow!

02/06/2026

School Update: We are pleased to inform everyone that school will resume tomorrow following the recent snow days. We look forward to welcoming all students and staff back for a full day of learning. Please arrive on time and prepared for the day. See you tomorrow!