As I reflect on Every Child Has Opportunities’ (ECHO) first year, I am filled with gratitude for all we have accomplished together. In this inaugural year, we laid the groundwork for something truly special. We set out to double the number of low-income children who have access to high-quality early childhood education. A big goal, equivalent to about 1,600 children.
And we’ve made significant strides. In twelve months, we have impacted an estimated 2,800 children and their families through our programs, and the results are transformative. New grants and programs have supported 46 high-quality early learning programs, including 15 new entrepreneurs and small business owners.
In 2024, we launched three new task forces – Children & Families, Workforce, and Community – comprised of dozens of community advocates who have lent their time and expertise to ensure every child has opportunities here in York County.
With their support, we created three signature programs: ECHO Innovation Grants, BLOOM Start-Up Funds, and ECHO Teacher Aide Program. You can read more about each in the pages that follow. A strong foundation for what we know will have a generational impact.
We recognize and support early learning professionals across York County who educate and care for children each day. We see you, we honor you, and we appreciate you. A special thank you to our visionary philanthropic partners who have entrusted Community Connections for Children and York County Economic Alliance to lead this important work. As we look ahead to our second year, we are excited to build on our momentum and expand our innovative, impactful programming.
Together, we are building a brighter future – one child at a time.
Thank you for being part of this exciting first chapter.
With gratitude,
Katie Caples
ECHO Director
Community Connections for Children
