Greenville First Steps

09/30/2026

Strong voices for South Carolina’s children!

We’re proud to have Executive Director Derek Lewis serving on the Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children. Last night, a public hearing brought together leaders from across the state to share perspectives and testify on issues impacting children and families in South Carolina, including:

-Emily Bartels, State Director of Reach Out and Read South Carolina
-Elizabeth Kabalka, Executive Director of Richland County First Steps
-Leslie Latimer, Executive Director of Palmetto Shared Services Alliance

Thank you to these leaders for sharing their expertise and advocating for South Carolina’s children and families!

09/25/2026

Today's the day! We invite you to carry Dolly's spirit forward and by supporting children in Greenville County. Learn more here: https://greenvillefirststeps.org/donate/

Give Like Dolly Day is coming THIS Friday, September 25!

Dolly Parton believed in giving back and helping children dream bigger—and this year, we’re celebrating
that spirit right here in Grenville County through Give Like Dolly Day.

On September 25, we’re inviting our community to join us in giving back to children by supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Your support helps make it possible for children in our community to receive a free, high-quality book every month from birth to age 5.

Learn more and find out how you can support children in Greenville County here: https://greenvillefirststeps.org/donate/

09/25/2026

Please join us in wishing a very happy birthday to Katelyn Davis, our HIPPY Program Assistant! We’re so grateful for all you do to support our HIPPY families and team. We hope you have a wonderful day, Katelyn! 💙

09/23/2026

Give Like Dolly Day is coming THIS Friday, September 25!

Dolly Parton believed in giving back and helping children dream bigger—and this year, we’re celebrating
that spirit right here in Grenville County through Give Like Dolly Day.

On September 25, we’re inviting our community to join us in giving back to children by supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Your support helps make it possible for children in our community to receive a free, high-quality book every month from birth to age 5.

Learn more and find out how you can support children in Greenville County here: https://greenvillefirststeps.org/donate/

09/23/2026

Your voice matters! The South Carolina Committee on Children is hosting a Public Hearing in Greenville on Tuesday, September 29, from 5–7 PM at Greenville Technical College.

Community members are invited to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas about issues affecting children and families. Our Executive Director, Derek Lewis, serves on the Committee, and we encourage our community to participate!

📍 Community Room, Student Success Center, Greenville Technical College
Register here: sccommitteeonchildren.org

09/22/2026

A great morning of learning and connection at this month’s Upstate Parenting Practitioners’ Coalition Meeting! 💙

Thank you to the Hispanic Alliance-Alianza Hispana for sharing their story, vision, and valuable insights on culturally responsive ways to support families in our community.

09/10/2026

One of the featured activities in our Every Step of the Way newsletter is Touch-A-Truck at the TD Saturday Market!

This fun, free community event is happening Saturday, September 12 on Main Street in downtown Greenville. Children of all ages can climb, sit, and play in nearly 20 different vehicles, including trucks and equipment from local police, fire, public works, and commercial organizations.

If you’re looking for a fun family activity, this is one to add to your calendar! 🚒🚓

09/08/2026

📚 Let’s bust some literacy myths!

Early literacy begins long before a child learns to read independently. From sharing a book and talking about pictures to singing songs and making up stories, everyday moments help build the skills children need to become confident readers.

Swipe through to see a few common literacy myths vs. facts and discover simple ways you can support your child’s learning at home!

09/04/2026

National Literacy Month gives us another opportunity to remember and honor Dolly Parton and the lasting legacy she created through her Imagination Library. 📚❤️

The impact of a child receiving books at home can be powerful. One study found that after receiving just 10 books, children enrolled in the program were at least 4x more likely to demonstrate stronger literacy skills!

Every book is a new adventure, a chance to learn, and a step toward a brighter future. See if your neighborhood qualifies for free books by visiting greenvillefirststeps.org/freebooks.

09/02/2026

📚 Honoring Dolly Parton, one free book at a time. 💕

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has made a powerful impact right here in Greenville County—mailing more than 95,000 free books to local children since 2019.

In our latest Simple Civics: Greenville County podcast, we explore Dolly’s legacy, how the Imagination Library works, and how families with children under five can enroll for free.

🎙️ Hear from Greenville First Steps and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library leaders about how Dolly’s vision is helping children grow up surrounded by books—and why her dream will continue for generations.
➡️ https://www.simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org/episodes/honoring-dolly-parton-how-dolly-partons-imagination-library-changed-greenville-one-free-book-at-a-time

📖 Have a child under five? Enrollment is free.
Listen/watch and learn how you can get involved and help carry Dolly’s dream forward. 💗