“ We provide the most trusted source of data about the wellbeing of West Virginia ’ s kids , identify challenges , then provide a pathway to progress by putting a spotlight on innovative programs and services , lifting up the people who are already making a difference ,” says Executive Director Tricia Kingery .
Garner says she has seen firsthand that West Virginians take care of their own , and that is a strength . She also credits the state ’ s leadership , starting with Governor Jim Justice , with a strong commitment to help struggling families . Garner , who has been a Save the Children artist ambassador for more than 10 years and a member of the board of trustees for eight of those years , brought Save the Children to West Virginia with the help of former West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin in 2010 .
“ Governor Manchin saw the importance of getting to kids and moms early ,” Garner says . “ Someone needs to just show up for them again and again . Show up with books . Show up with love and become an extra member of that mom ’ s community . Tell that mom , ‘ You are doing a great job . Look at how that baby loves you . Keep talking to that baby . Keep singing to that baby . Keep reading to that baby .’”
Garner says when West Virginia children struggling in poverty start school in remediation , they already carry a label . Early intervention is the key to making a difference for them .
“ Those kids go to school because that is where the food is and that is where it is warm , but do they like it ? No ,” Garner says . “ In this state , we have a great pre-k program . That is not available in every state ; we are leaders . Here kids have to go to pre-k , but the support has to begin at birth .”
Garner accepted her award from Brad Smith , proud West Virginian , former CEO of Intuit and co-founder , along with his wife , Alys Smith , of The Wing 2 Wing Foundation , a nonprofit that advances support , equality , education and entrepreneurship for underserved communities . Like Garner , he credits his home state with the foundation for his success .
“ Anything I have achieved in life is because someone in West Virginia saw something in me that I didn ’ t see in myself ,
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