June 2023 Strengthening the Grid Newsletter
In the June 2023 issue of the Strengthening the Grid newsletter, discover how the Horatio School District and public libraries in Sevier and Little River counties are joining forces to provide free summer meals for children in southwest Arkansas. We also celebrate the remarkable achievements of our 40 Under 40 honorees.
Stay plugged in: See how Arkansas stacks up when it comes to child well-being and explore a database by Arkansas Children’s that connects families across the state with affordable services.
Horatio School District, public libraries partnering to provide free summer meals to children in southwest Arkansas
Excel by Eight’s Sevier County Steering Committee and the Horatio School District are partnering with No Kid Hungry to offer free summer meals to children under the age of 18.
Excel by Eight hosts Spring 2023 Learning Community
Excel by Eight hosted its semiannual Learning Community at the end of April, bringing together more than 50 people from its six communities to share network connections, celebrate accomplishments, and discuss resources that can move their local community development plans forward and help children thrive.
2023 Legislative Session Update: Key Bills Passed and Their Implications for Our Work
The 94th General Assembly of the Arkansas State Legislature concluded a productive and eventful session in April, resulting in the passage of significant bills that will have a substantial impact on our state. Excel by Eight closely monitored the progress of several bills introduced during the session that are relevant to our policy agenda and its four focus areas: healthy beginnings, supported families, early childhood education, and maternal health.
Excel by Eight Welcomes Tori Scott as Communities Manager
Tori Scott has been named communities manager for Excel by Eight. Tori will help design and implement strategies in Independence County and the city of Little Rock that organize and engage individuals and organizations to build strong resource grids in their communities.
Excel by Eight Hires Alison Williams as Coalitions Director
Excel by Eight (E8) is thrilled to welcome Alison Williams, previously the chief of staff for former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, to its growing team as coalitions director. Williams brings more than a decade of experience in the public and private sectors to Excel by Eight.
Excel by Eight Welcomes La Shawn Grimes as Project Consultant
Excel by Eight is excited to welcome La Shawn Grimes to its team as a project consultant. Grimes will lead the Conway County Excel by Eight steering committee as it works to strengthen family engagement by hosting “conversation cafes” throughout the area.
Excel by Eight Welcomes Sanci Richardson as Communities Manager
Excel by Eight (E8) has added Sanci Richardson as communities manager. With an extensive community and economic development background, Richardson will help design and implement a strategy that organizes and engages individuals and organizations in E8 communities to...
“Don’t look at us as babysitters. Look at us as early education professionals.”
Alicia Williams owns and operates three child care centers in El Dorado and Benton. Despite her successes as a business owner and her passion for early care and education, working in child care and owning a privately owned center can be difficult. We talked to Alicia about the challenges she faces, especially when it comes to balancing what families can afford to pay and what employees need to earn.
Excel by Eight Expands Team with Addition of Beth Tody as Sevier County Regional Coordinator
Excel by Eight (E8) has added Beth Tody as regional coordinator to support families, educators, health professionals, and other community members in Sevier County on the design and implementation of a local plan for improving health and education outcomes for children in the area.