Jacksonville, FL – October 21, 2024 – Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) Duval Head Start is excited to announce the grand opening of its newly renovated playground at the Emerson Head Start Center location on October 24, 2024.
This milestone event marks a significant enhancement to the program’s facilities, made possible by generous grants from PNC Bank ($57,000) and the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida ($10,000). PNC has been a partner to LSF Duval Head Start Program and many other early childhood programs across the nation.
Launched in 2004, PNC Grow Up Great, is now a $500 million, multi-year, bilingual initiative through which they leverage powerful partnerships at the local and national level to develop resources and programs that encourage children to discover, learn and grow. The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, Florida’s oldest community foundation, works to stimulate philanthropy to build a better community.
The renovated playground, which features a new play structure, shade structure, trike path and new ground surfacing, will provide a vibrant and safe space for our children. “This playground represents more than just a play space; it’s a testament to the community’s support and the continued growth of our program,” said Duval Head Start Director, Maria McNair. “We’re thrilled to provide a refreshed and safe environment where our children can thrive, play, and learn.”
The playground renovation is the latest in a series of milestones for LSF Duval Head Start, which celebrated its 10th anniversary under LSF operation earlier this year. The program has grown to become a cornerstone of early childhood development in Jacksonville.
LSF Duval Head Start provides comprehensive, high-quality early childhood education and support services to nearly 1,000 children ages 0-5, including those with disabilities, promoting health, growth and learning while helping families achieve self-sufficiency.
“Early Head Start and Head Start have been a blessing and a miracle for me and my family since 2018,” said Alysa Walston, a parent of children enrolled in the program. “I’ve witnessed firsthand the patience, resourcefulness, and compassion of the Head Start staff, as well as the core values they live by every day. It’s been a beautiful thing to see.”
The past decade has seen the program overcome significant challenges faced by all in the Duval community, including the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the effects of racially motivated events in 2023. Despite these hurdles, the staff’s resilience and commitment to the children and families they serve remain unwavering.
Looking ahead, LSF Duval Head Start anticipates further growth with the opening of The LSF Therapeutic Early Learning Center in 2025 serving the Arlington community.
About Lutheran Services Florida (LSF)
LSF is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals and families in need throughout Florida. LSF Head Start in Duval County is committed to providing comprehensive early childhood development and family support services that empower children and their families to achieve self-sufficiency.
For more information about LSF Duval Head Start, visit https://www.lsfheadstart.org/
