Small Tools, Big Impact: Supporting Children This April

April is a time to come together as a community with a shared purpose: supporting children and strengthening families. In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Partnership for Children of the Foothills is engaging families and community partners across McDowell, Polk and Rutherford counties through meaningful, hands-on outreach. From local libraries to community events, the … Continued

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W5 Mandated Reporter Training: Helping Protect Children in Our Community

Protecting children starts with awareness—and people who are willing to act. Join us on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, for a free W5 Mandated Reporter Training at Isothermal Community College. This session will equip community members and professionals with the tools to recognize and respond to suspected child maltreatment. Event Details Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026Time: … Continued

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Storytime Smiles: Promoting Healthy Teeth During Children’s Dental Health Month

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a perfect time to focus on building healthy habits for our youngest learners. This month, The Partnership for Children of the Foothills is heading into local library storytimes across Polk, McDowell, and Rutherford counties to share an important message with families: healthy smiles start early. For children from … Continued

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Partnership for Children of the Foothills Announces Retirement of Executive Director Barry Gold After 26 Years of Service; Welcomes Vanessa Parton as New Executive Director

Forest City, January 8, 2026 –The Partnership for Children of the Foothills announces the retirement of longtime Executive Director Barry Gold, who is concluding an extraordinary 26-year tenure marked by transformational growth, regional collaboration, and lasting impact for children and families across Rutherford, Polk, and McDowell counties. Under Gold’s leadership, the Partnership evolved into a … Continued

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Play to Learn group takes a paws to play with animals!

Paws & Play Combine in Fun Petting Zoo Experience June 12, 2024 (Forest City, NC) – On June 4, the Play to Learn program at Partnership for Children of the Foothills hosted a petting zoo hands-on learning experience where 20 children and 23 adults combined playing with learning about little critters.  Kids enjoyed Sprinkles Mobile … Continued

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Read Aloud
A nationwide initiative to improve early literacy by reading aloud 15 minutes per day.
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Dolly Parton Imagination Library
A program that sends free books to children every month until their 5th birthday .
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