You’re Already Changing Lives
Every hour you’ve given, every task you’ve completed, every memory you’ve created—it matters. Your presence isn’t just noticed; it’s felt. Whether you’ve packed backpacks, helped at events, read to children, or cleaned up spaces, families thrive because you care.
But what if the reach of your care could extend even further?
You have an insider’s view of the difference early support makes. And today, we invite you to help us build more of it.
Why Volunteers See the Need First 
You’ve helped lay the groundwork that allows our programs to walk alongside families. You see the need in our community and understand why wrap-around services matter.
That perspective makes you more than a helper—it makes you an advocate. It’s why volunteers like you are often the first to recognize the urgency of expanding programs like Early Head Start.
Early Head Start: Where Help Becomes Hope
Early Head Start is where futures begin—where babies learn, parents grow, and families find stability. Some of you have witnessed those moments: a child’s first words, a parent’s confidence blooming.
But here’s the truth: more families are waiting. The need is urgent, and HumanKind is responding with an Early Head Start expansion to nearly double our capacity—from serving 48 children to 90 children each year.
Think about that: 42 more infants and toddlers will have access to comprehensive care. That’s 42 more families finding stability. Over 300 family members impacted annually.
This isn’t just about adding classrooms—it’s about opening doors to opportunity.
The Urgent Need in Central Virginia
As a volunteer, you know our community. But you may not know these numbers:
- 1,800 children under age 5 in Lynchburg lack access to early education
- Only 35% of young children are enrolled in early education
- More than 25% of local children live in poverty
- Central Virginia is a childcare desert
- 35 children are on our waitlist right now
Picture the mom whose childcare constantly falls through. The family whose baby isn’t hitting milestones. The grandmother overwhelmed by unexpected responsibilities.
These families are waiting. Your gift can help us reach them.
Why Early Head Start Works
Early Head Start is more than a place for children to play and learn. It’s a proven
foundation for lifelong growth:
- Stronger development outcomes: Children show significantly better cognitive, language, and social-emotional development (source: HeadStart.gov)
- Health and well-being for families: Parents experience less stress and pursue education or job training with greater confidence (source: Administration for Children and Families)
- Lasting benefits: Positive impacts persist into school age (source: HeadStart.gov)
Yet Early Head Start reaches only 10% of eligible families nationwide (source: NHSA). That gap means countless children and parents are still waiting for the stability, care, and support that these programs uniquely provide.
When Time Inspires Deeper Investment
Volunteering is powerful. It changes lives—including yours. But what if you could amplify that impact?
Giving is another way to show up—not instead of your time, but alongside it. Your gift becomes an extension of your care, reaching families you may never meet but whose lives will change because of you.
Think of it this way: volunteering plants the seed. Donating helps it grow. Together, they create something lasting—something that continues long after your volunteer shift ends.
What a Donation Makes Possible
The total investment for this expansion is $1.7 million. We need to raise $531,000 to meet the 20% local match requirement and purchase classroom equipment, furnishings, and kitchen appliances.
When you give, you’re not just donating; you’re investing in futures.
You’re Already Part of This Story 
You’ve helped lay the foundation. Now help us build what comes next.
Imagine a community where more children enter school ready to learn, more parents pursue their goals with confidence, and more families find stability and hope.
Your gift doesn’t replace the time you give—it multiplies it. When volunteers’ hearts and donors’ generosity come together, we create a stronger future for our whole community.
Thank you for all you’ve given—and for all we’ll build together.
Donate to the Early Head Start Expansion
Learn more at humankind.org/early-head-start-expansion or contact kcordingley@humankind.org.
