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Five County Child Development has come to the city of Magee, which celebrated the opening of the new business located in the old Magee Elementary School in the Goodwater Community.
The Five County Child Development or often called Head Start, will house 220 children ages 3-5 from a five county area. Dr. Jonthan Bines, former Mendenhall graduate, is the director of 5 county.
A welcome reception was held Friday, August 10th at the Civic Center in Magee. Brother Darnell Moffett welcomed guest and faculty. Mayor Dale Berry welcomed the organization and told Five County Child Development was probably one of the largest businesses to locate in Magee during his term as mayor. The center will employ between 30 and 35 people. Mayor Berry entertained the crowd explaining how he already knew Dr. Bines. “I was coaching at Mendenhall, and coached this guy” explained Dale. Mayor Berry praised Alderman Patrick Brown for the work he did in getting Head Start to locate in Magee. “Patrick knew the importance of getting something in the old elementary school property and he went after it,” Berry said.
(Pictured Fontaine McNair, Patrick Brown, Dr. Jonathan Bines, Sue Honea, Dale Berry, and Darnell Moffett)
Dr. Bines, in turn, told of how when he saw Dale at a school board meeting he couldn’t figure out what Coach was doing at a school board meeting. “I thought he had retired. Last time I saw him, he was waving a white towel and telling us to push harder, “ laughed Bines.
Dr. Bines explained that the facility operates under the federal government which means strict regulations. “We will follow the regulations,” Bines stated. “ We are about educating the child and giving them a good foundation for life.”
The Mission Statement of Five County Child Development: “Improving the Quality of Life of Children, Families, and Communities”
The Vision Statement of Five County Child Development: ” Building on the past;Reaching for the future”
We believe that low-income families should have the opportunity to improve their quality of life. We believe that all people should be provided the necessary tools to enhance their educational, economic and social status. Our Vision is to move our children and families from low-income dependent families to self-sufficient independent families with school ready children.
To realize the vision we will have to play the role of pulling the team together, look at indicators for the future to see where we want to be and get staff qualified to meet the future needs of our children, families and communities.
Since 1965, Head Start has provided comprehensive services to nearly 30 million children and their families.
Moffett told of moving to Magee about 15 years ago to pastor Calvary Church located in the Goodwater Community. “The church was already mission minded and involved with the community, but I wanted the church to reach out even more,” said Moffett. Along with fellow community leaders, Darnell has worked diligently to improve and strengthen our city.
Alderman Patrick Brown spoke explaining how everyone had worked together to see Five County Child Development become a reality in Simpson County. Brown stated that Pastor Moffett spoke of the work begun 15 years ago, but actually, Patrick and Fontaine McNair began the journey to improve their community 22 years ago. Both men and others searched for ways to make a difference in the lives of citizens.
Brown thanked the mayor and board for their support during the journey to bring 5 County to Magee.
The reception was hosted by the City of Magee & CGC Development, Inc.
–Front Row: L-R
Patricia Shorts-Floater, Nancy Smith-Accounts Payable/In-Kind Clerk, Tanya Feazell-Assistant Health Services Director, Glory Price-Benefits Secretary/Bookkeeper, Linda Bryant-Receptionist, Konchetta Barnes-PFCE Data Coordinator, Janet Moak- Family Services/ERSEA Director, Martha Carter-Mental Health/Disability/Transition Director, Earnestine Showers-Durr-Purchasing Clerk, and Clevie Brent-Maintenance Manager
Middle Row: L-R
Evelyn Strickland-Transportation Director, Lizzie Thompson-Asst. Head Start Director/Human Resource Manager, Leshia Graves-Compliance Officer, Felicia Harper-Family Services Worker, Carolyn Johnson-Public Transit Fiscal Officer, Marcus McDonald-Family Services Worker, Hadassah
Devine-Nutrition Director, and Luxie Frison-Payroll/Sr. Accountant
Back Row: L-R
Dr. Jonathan Bines-Head Start Director, Kimberly McCann-Educational Coach, Dr. DeWayne Middleton-Board Member, Tangelia Reese-Fiscal Officer, Ronnie Walker-Head Custodian, Antoinette Hall-Time Keeper/Training Coordinator, Lenora Magee-Board Member, Anika Floyd-Policy Council Member, Sheanda Ellis-(PFCE) Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Director
Not Pictured: Rhonda Guy-Family Services Worker, Latasha Harrien-Assistant Education Director, Pam McDaniel-Executive Secretary,
Lurine Price-Childplus Coordinator, and Lee Rhodes-IT/Inventory Manager
