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Smart Start was 'an unexpected blessing' for daycare centers after Helene

Children returned to the Play and Learning Center in Hendersonville, which was able to reopen after Hurricane Helene with help from Smart Start Partnership for Children. [CONTRIBUTED}

By VALERIE A. HOFFMAN, Published: August 15, 2025

Nine months after Hurricane Helene battered Western North Carolina, many of the storm’s visible scars, including washed-out roads, landslides and downed trees, have been cleared or repaired.

But for child care providers in Henderson and Transylvania counties, the storm’s less obvious impacts have lingered far longer, threatening the availability of reliable early childhood education at a time when families need it most.

Helping lead the recovery in this region is Smart Start Partnership for Children, a local nonprofit that supports early childhood systems across Henderson and Transylvania counties. The organization is part of the Smart Start Network, a statewide system of 76 local partnerships reaching families in all 100 North Carolina counties.

Founded in 1993, Smart Start is a public-private partnership that brings together state government, local leaders and private organizations to ensure that every child in North Carolina has the opportunity to thrive. Independent local partnerships, such as the Smart Start Partnership for Children, carry out this mission at the community level through the North Carolina Partnership for Children.

When Hurricane Helene hit, Smart Start didn’t wait for outside help. The day after the storm, their team was on the ground, listening to providers, delivering essentials and jumpstarting recovery efforts. While disaster crews focused on infrastructure, many small child care providers were left behind, dealing with damaged facilities, lost income and no clear path to recovery. 

“Without immediate support, many had to shut their doors, leaving working families scrambling for care,” said Sonia Gironda, executive director of Smart Start Partnership for Children. 

Through Smart Start, multiple grants are being distributed to support early childhood providers in addressing needs such as building repairs, supply replacement, revenue losses, and retention bonuses. These efforts are being managed by the Smart Start Partnership for Children, with support from multiple funders.

Smart Start ‘an amazing help’

Brandi Mills, who owns the Play and Learning Center in Hendersonville, said the storm’s aftermath nearly derailed her 21-year-old program.

“It was difficult for the parents when I was closed,” Mills said. “But I was able to get the same children back eventually. Smart Start Partnership for Children has been an amazing help. They helped restock food and diapers and provided grant funds for repairs. We are currently rebuilding and repairing everything, in large part thanks to their help.”

For Kanika Fox, owner of Tori’s Tots and a child care provider for 34 years, Helene’s damage included a washed-away patio, an essential entryway for families bringing children each day, and a broken water heater.

“I am very grateful for those funds that were provided,” Fox said, explaining how the grant from Smart Start allowed her to make repairs and continue serving local families quickly.

At Mud Creek Christian School, staff described the grant’s support as an unexpected blessing that helped them recover and focus on caring for children again.

“This was a fantastic and unexpected blessing, one for which I am so thankful,” said Lynn Rognstad, a teacher at the center. “Their help will not be forgotten.”

Helping 36 centers recover

Elizabeth Caristo, program coordinator with Smart Start, said that they have already provided critical funding to 36 early childhood centers and family child care homes in Henderson and Transylvania counties. 

Projects support a wide range of recovery and improvement efforts, including HVAC systems, water heaters, fencing and critical drainage and driveway repairs. Outdoor areas have been revitalized with fresh sand and mulch, new playground surfacing, equipment, bike paths, benches, sandboxes, water tables and creative outdoor art spaces. Indoors, providers received infant cribs, toys, rugs, classroom furniture, and upgraded flooring, helping to restore safe, engaging learning environments for young children.

“Child care providers are the backbone of working families and the foundation of a strong economy,” Gironda said. “These grants are not just about financial support. They represent hope, stability, and a path forward for the small businesses that nurture our youngest learners every day.”

For families and employers across the region, restoring child care services is about more than business continuity. It is about ensuring parents can work, children have safe places to learn and grow and communities can truly recover.

“Helping these centers reopen means more than just fixing buildings,” Gironda said. “It means helping children feel safe again, helping parents return to work, and helping entire communities heal.”

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Valerie Hoffman owns WriterWorks Communications Strategies. Learn more at WriterWorksPR.com.