At Little Hands Virginia, our mission is to ensure children in Central Virginia have the essentials they need from birth to improve outcomes for life. We achieve this through amazing partnerships with organizations like Thrive Birth to Five.
Thrive Birth to Five operates across 17 localities, from Hanover to Greensville and Emporia. They ensure that all families have access to quality childcare, in collaboration with the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation and the Virginia Department of Education. Their goal is to build our region’s early childhood system and support families, providers, and the entire ecosystem.
One example of the impactful work being done comes from Gena Lashley, Family Engagement Advocate at Thrive Birth to Five. During her direct service days, Gena encountered a young mother struggling to make ends meet. This mother had a binder filled with paperwork she had to carry everywhere. She confided in Gena, saying, “It’s exhausting being poor. I have to prove that I’m worthy to every single place I go when I just need a little support right now.”
Gena shared how Little Hands Virginia steps in to provide immediate relief. “Thank goodness Little Hands is there so families can provide for their child’s basic needs,” she said. “If it’s between buying diapers or buying food, you’re going to buy food. And Little Hands ensures that they don’t have to make that impossible choice. The turnaround time is so good; families aren’t left waiting for weeks.”
Thrive Birth to Five works with families that face significant challenges, such as the high cost of childcare and limited availability of infant and toddler care slots. Even with subsidies available, finding a provider that accepts them can be difficult.
“Most people asking for help are working households, often with multiple jobs, but the cost of living and childcare is so high. These families need a little support to get through challenging times,” Gena explained. This is exactly what Little Hands Virginia aims to provide—support that empowers families to overcome obstacles and build a better future for their children.
Community events are a vital part of their work. Prince George County is a county with no childcare centers. At their recent Toddler Fair, Thrive Birth to Five provided resources to the community regarding affordable, quality childcare options. Other vendors, such as District 19 Early Intervention Services and Prince George County Public Schools, provided developmental screenings, and the Prince George County Police Dept conducted car seat safety checks. Thanks to Little Hands Virginia, Thrive Birth to Five had car seats to replace unsafe ones, making a big difference for many families.
The partnership between Little Hands Virginia and Thrive Birth to Five exemplifies the power of community collaboration. Gena summed it up beautifully, “Little Hands is meeting a need that is not being met in any other way. The support they provide is crucial for families trying to navigate the complexities of childcare and basic needs.”
Your support makes all this possible. You’re not just helping Little Hands provide diapers or car seats; you’re giving families a chance to breathe, find stability, and thrive. Every donation helps lift a family out of crisis and into a place where they can start building a better future.
Thank you for being a vital part of this mission. Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of countless families across Central Virginia.