At its annual meeting this past Thursday, Cuyahoga County Invest in Children took the opportunity to applaud the efforts of local heroes in early childhood development and education. Shawna Rohrman, Director of Cuyahoga County Invest in Children, emphasized the collective effort needed to support the well-being of young children and their families. "Today is a reminder that it takes all of us – the public sector, private providers, philanthropy, parents, educators, and advocates, to build a system that nurtures our kids, while continuing to progress by adapting to change," Rohrman said at the event, according to Cuyahoga County an official statement.
During the ceremony, three significant contributors were awarded for their roles in enhancing early childhood services. Firstly, the Cuyahoga County Public Library Preschool Club received the Innovations Team Award for offering a space for families to learn and connect. According to the Cuyahoga County announcement, their five-week program, which serves dozens of children and families, is set to expand from two to five branches.
Individual accolades went to Tiffany Ashley, Director of Parent Education at Merrick House & Case Manager at MomsFirst, who boasts over two decades of experience championing youth development and family empowerment. Another honoree, Dr. Robert Needlman, a Professor of Pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine & Director of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at MetroHealth, has dedicated 26 years to pioneering the Reach Out and Read program, distributing more than 345,000 books to kids across the country.
The awards recognized not just individual achievements, but also the broader impact of their work on early childhood learning and success. "Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees for their outstanding dedication and impact," praised Cuyahoga County's statement. For more information on the initiatives of Cuyahoga County Invest in Children, visit their website, which also houses photos from the annual meeting and awards ceremony.
