A Brighter Community

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A Brighter Community, Inc got its start in 1925 when the United Way was known as the Community Chest, pulling together 16 agencies in its first fund drive. At that time the center was known as the WCTU Day Nursery. The buyers for the land, well known in Tampa's history are J.A. Epps and J.G. Bedingfield. The trustees were listed as James W. Morris Jr., James Handly, E.H. Robinson, W. Raleigh Petteway and Howard P. Macfarlane. The nursery later became known as the Tampa Day nursery and still remains at the same location just north of downtown. A Brighter Community, Inc is a non-profit, United Way supported, nationally accredited preschool and family support program. Through community collaborations we offer access to speech, occupational, and physical therapy along with mental health counseling. We serve economically and environmentally at risk children, ages 3-5 years. We are one of five contracted Head Start sites in Hillsborough County, and we offer a before and after school program. We are a certified voluntary pre-kindergarten provider. A master's level social worker is on staff to provide family support services and play therapy to students with identified special needs. Our mission is to develop school-ready children and strengthen families by providing access to a nationally accredited preschool and family support system. Stepping back to 1925 when the Model T consisted of more than half the automobiles in the U.S, the Jazz Age was in its infancy, and hair, along with shirt lengths, were on the rise. The 20's became known as the age of intolerance and the Age of Wonderful Nonsense. Americans had survived WWI and the new decade would become a time of change. WCTU Day Nursery founder Mama Houston, saw a need for a change and had a plan. With her insight and dedication she saw the need for a daycare and school for hard working, lower income families. Mrs. Houston's values remain the same today, helping those who are willing to help themselves. The addition of a family support program enables the staff at ABC to provide services to not only the preschool children but to the families as well. Our family support system provides resources, referral information, and assistance in housing, employment, education, transportation, and holiday aid. According to Child Trends research, children who experience child abuse, neglect, or family violence are at a risk for poor development not only during their childhood, but also throughout their lives.