Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Ryan McGill
In 1944, two women sought to provide housing for Hispanic children in need. This small, local project has since become the First Day Foundation, inspired by the first day of creation when God created light. The foundation strives to provide resources that light the way for families, children, and communities.
The First Day Foundation provides grants to non-profits worldwide, allowing them to serve men, women, and children from all walks of life. Innovative Network of Knowledge (INK) is one such non-profit.
INK is based in Texas and is led by Executive Director Dr. Denise Shetter. In the last year, Dr. Shetter secured a grant to establish INK Early Head Start programs around Walker County, Alabama, for children aged six weeks to three years.
Today, Dr. Rhonda Davidson serves as the Grant Director for INK locations around Walker County. She has worked to secure partnerships with several local businesses and individuals, such as City of Lights, Capstone Health, Jasper Pediatric Dentistry, HARTT, and Speech Works, to expand the resources offered to children and families.
INK is a learning center rather than just a daycare. Children follow age-appropriate curriculums that jumpstart their education journey and are provided free meals, snacks, and essentials such as diapers, wipes, and formula.
“We don’t want to label a child at this age because there are things some children have not been exposed to. We have been open since November 2023 and have seen these children make great strides. It’s all about helping the community, helping the families, and helping the children. It’s a blessing to me, and I firmly believe God had a hand in placing INK here,” says Davidson.
Davidson also says bringing INK to life has been a collaboration of herself, Center Director Barbara Rollo, Family Specialists Michelle Moorehouse and Jasmine Farris, Education Coaches Tori Jones and Mary Caudle, and many teachers and floaters. With the help of this team, Dr. Davidson continues to work towards expanding Walker County INK centers to provide Head Start for children ages three to five.
“We have some big dreams for Walker County and meeting the needs of our children,” Davidson says. “And INK has just begun to lay the foundation for that.” WL
For more information or to begin the registration process, visit https://exploreink.org/.
