Children's Resource Center

06/19/2026

When children are cared for by people who understand their needs, parents gain time to find solutions (employment, education, healthcare). Simultaneously, children receive stabilizing positive educational and social experiences that build resilience. This supports the whole child, whole family and whole system.

Learn more and take action: earlyyearsnc.org/the-young-child-homelessness-outreach-project

Partners for Impact

06/18/2026

You can't teach a child from where you wish they were. You have to start from where they actually are emotionally, developmentally, and relationally. That's not lowering the bar. That's finding the door.

💬 Share this with an educator who meets every child where they are 💙

06/18/2026

The lack of access to quality early learning and care affects babies during their most critical period of development. As families are priced out and providers shut their doors, parents are forced to choose between caregiving and responsibilities like work or school. Child care is the work that helps everyone else work.

It’s time for all of us to show up with our Strolling Thunder families: https://bit.ly/3LDrNXV

06/16/2026

Is your child turning 4 on or before August 31, 2026?

Applications for the 2026-2027 NC Pre-K Program are NOW available! NC Pre-K is a FREE, high-quality preschool program for eligible children and helps prepare them for kindergarten and beyond. 🍎✏️

💻 Apply online: CatawbaKids.org
📍 Apply in person: 738 4th St SW, Hickory
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Questions? Call 828-695-6505 (English & Español)

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with families who have a child turning 4 by August 31, 2026!

06/12/2026

Summer movie nights are back in Newton!

Grab your blankets, lawn chairs, and favorite movie snacks, and join us for a summer of family fun under the stars.

Coming up next, Lilo & Stitch on June 19!

For the full schedule, visit www.newtonnc.gov/moviesinthepark

All movies begin at dusk. Movies in the Park are FREE, and Dive-In Movie admission follows regular pool rates.

Tag your movie crew and make plans to join us this summer!

06/12/2026

Want to stretch your SNAP/EBT dollars? Shop for fresh, local produce at the Catawba County Public Health Farmers Market and ask us how you can double your SNAP/EBT benefits at the market! The market is open to the public on Thursdays from June through September from 10am to 1pm in our front parking lot. We hope to see you there!

06/12/2026

This week, Ashley and Marisa had the opportunity to visit the Hickory Soup Kitchen and connect with families about resources available for children throughout the summer and school year.

We are grateful to the Hickory Soup Kitchen & The HOPE Center for welcoming us and allowing us to share information about programs and services that support children and families in our community. Thank you for your partnership and for all you do to serve our community each day! 💙

06/08/2026

Access to high-quality child care is a critical resource for families with housing vulnerability. The NC Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) network is vital. Share this free, confidential statewide number with caregivers today: 888-600-1685.

You can find your local CCR&R at childcarerrnc.org/services/for-families/agency

Partners for Impact

06/08/2026

Check out PEEPs Playgroup this summer! Visits from the Catawba Science Center, Hickory Public Library, and more! ☀️🛝🖍️

On the days the Catawba Science Center joins us; they will be there at the beginning of the group. On days Stephanie from Patrick Beaver Library joins us; she will be there the last 15 minutes to share stories and songs.

06/08/2026

Help us wish Ashley Benfield, Children's Resource Center Program Director, a very happy birthday! 🎂 We appreciate everything you do each day to support our families. Have a great day! 💐