Head starters, teachers to benefit from Wachovia Foundation

Submitted to the Times-Journal

The Selma-Dallas County Public Library recently announced that it has received a grant from the Wachovia Foundation that will be directed toward the Just For Head Start program. This program will familiarize children of the Dallas County Head Start program with the library and its resources during the 2006-2007 school year. The $5,000 grant allows for additional books, resources and staffing for the library’s early childhood section.

“This grant couldn’t have come at a better or more crucial time,” says library director Becky Nichols. “We needed additional funding, and Wachovia understood that this program is about families and the Dallas County community. Because the (Just For Head Start) program is so focused on improving the academic performance among our youngest students, we view this grant as an investment in our community, and we are extremely grateful.”

The head start program is a comprehensive child-development program that serves children, pregnant women and their families. It is a child-focused program and has the overall goal of increasing the school readiness of young children in low-income families. The organization’s mission and community-oriented goals fall in line with Wachovia’s strong commitment to the community.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Wachovia to positively influence the education process in this community,” said Steve Rogers, the Selma market president. “We believe that all children should be privy to a quality education and opportunity to excel.”

About Wachovia Foundation

The Wachovia Foundation is a private foundation that is funded annually by Wachovia Corporation.

The Foundation provides grants to eligible 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations to support four primary focus areas:

Education, Community Development, Health and Human Services and Arts and Culture.

The mission of the Foundation is to build strong and vibrant communities, improve the quality of life, and make a positive difference in the communities where Wachovia does business.