News & Resources

From shy beginnings to confidently walking into her first day of school, Malia's journey highlights the importance of early preparation and the power of encouragement. Malia is one of almost 2,000 children who participated in our Countdown to Kindergarten programs this summer.

The only thing more exciting than finding out I had been accepted into the final round of the Harvard Strategic Data Partnership (SDP) fellowship matching process for their 16th cohort was learning that I was also being considered for the Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) placement, housed at South Carolina First Steps.

After six and a half years leading South Carolina First Steps, I am stepping down from my role as agency director on June 28th to become the CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation. My last day is also First Steps’ 25th anniversary, a time of celebration and reflection, where we, as an organization, are thinking about the journey of impact we have all been on together.

When you give to First Steps, you provide dads like Jordan with the tools and resources they need to maximize their strengths and ensuring that children like James and Emily have the best possible start in life.

This story is part of a blog series by AmeriCorps VISTA Michelle Maxberry. As part of her year of full-time service at South Carolina First Steps, Michelle is gathering and sharing stories of young children, families, and communities served by local First Steps nonprofits across the state.

Across the state, First Steps offers a range of programs that help families raise children to be healthy, safe, learning, and ready for school. Rushell’s story is a testament to life-changing impact these programs can have, turning challenges into triumphs and forging brighter futures for young families.

Namarta and Veer's story is the first in blog series by AmeriCorps VISTA Michelle Maxberry. As part of her year of full-time service at South Carolina First Steps, Michelle will be gathering and sharing stories of young children, families, and communities served by local First Steps nonprofits across the state.

Our "infants in the workplace" policy benefits our staff and families, boosts team morale, and supports healthy childhood development.

A group Dillon County dads are determined to make a positive contribution to their community.