Childcare Resources Recognizes Thirty Years of Impact at Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of Childcare Resources of Indian River was a night of celebration and recognition. Guests gathered under a tent on the campus front lawn and were treated to a performance by the Childcare Resources’ VPK students to commemorate the organization’s 30th anniversary.

Students in Childcare Resources’ VPK classroom perform songs for Annual Meeting attendees.

“Tonight is about 30 years of growth and success, but also about looking forward,” said Tracy Sorzano, newly elected President of the Childcare Resources Board of Directors, as she addressed supporters. “Not only has your commitment to heightening programming for children, families, and educators in our community made a great impact over the years, but your continued support allows us to persist in our mission for years to come.”

The past year has seen tremendous success for Childcare Resources, including the recent Starfest luncheon and evening event, the nearly four dozen educators enrolled in the organization’s higher education program, and the continued dedication of school volunteers in classrooms.

Trudie Rainone, George and Elke Fetterolf mingle in the hallway of the Childcare Resources School.

“Our programs impacted nearly 4,000 children throughout Indian River County,” said former Board Chair Jim Beindorf, highlighting the organization’s significance.

Sorzano introduced four new members of the Board of Directors: Kelly Baysura, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at the School District of Indian River County, TP Kennedy, fourth-generation Vero Beach native and real estate agent, Melissa Shine, insurance agent with Sterling Seacrest Pritchard, and Gerri Smith, former Vice President of northern campus Florida Atlantic University. They join the current Directors in guiding Childcare Resources in support of the organization’s mission to elevate and promote the highest quality early childhood development and education in Indian River County, focusing on economically challenged children and families.

County Commissioner Joe Flescher, Rosemary Flescher, and Andrew Kennedy explore the Kittens classroom during the Annual Meeting celebration.

Looking forward, Sorzano outlined the large projects Childcare Resources is currently engaged with, including a strategic visioning initiative and a collaboration with the University of Florida Lastinger Center. Both projects will help Childcare Resources define the ongoing success of the organization’s whole child development model.

Incoming Childcare Resources Board of Directors Kelly Baysura, TP Kennedy, Melissa Shine, and Gerri Smith.

Joy Lambert, longtime supporter of Childcare Resources, capped off the evening perfectly. “To think that this entire idea started around a kitchen table and has grown to what it is today is incredible! The impact on our community that Childcare Resources has enacted never seizes to amaze me.”