Parent Engagement Collaborative Announces Grantee Partners

FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Miles Foundation, The Rainwater Charitable Foundation, and The Morris Foundation proudly announce seven agencies that have been selected to comprise the core of an effort named the Parent Engagement Collaborative.  The foundations have selected the following local agencies to receive funding as part of the collaborative project:

• AVANCE Inc. and United Community Centers will provide classes to prepare children to start kindergarten ready for success and to nurture parental involvement.
• Camp Fire First Texas will invite parents with children under age five to join in "Parent Nights" once per month, including dinner and conversations about family-related topics.
• The Concilio will provide Spanish-speaking families with information on how to help their children ages 0-5 to excel in school.
• East Fort Worth Montessori Academy will offer a lending library, along with a variety of classes for children, childcare providers, and parents.
• Fort Worth Library will host "Family Time Saturdays," which will entail story times and child development sessions for parents, caregivers, and children under 5.
• The Parenting Center will provide an 8-week program for parents to help boost their children's development, decrease problem behaviors, and form respectful relationships.  

The Parent Engagement Collaborative is the result of a joint effort launched earlier this year by the three local foundations seeking to make a measurable difference in the Fort Worth neighborhood of Morningside.  The Parent Engagement Collaborative will focus on parental engagement and education efforts targeting children ages 0-5. Understanding that parents are the first and most formative teachers of their children, the Collaborative will strive to promote parent engagement in early childhood education.  Programming provided by the seven agencies is scheduled to begin this fall.

"We believe these hand-selected partners will be extremely effective in impacting parent engagement and education in this critical area of our community," said Grant Coates, President and CEO of The Miles Foundation. "Each of these organizations brings a distinctive advantage to the Morningside community, and we look forward to supporting their collective success going forward."

About the Foundation
The Miles Foundation endeavors to honor the legacy of its founder, Ellison Miles, through the support of institutions that offer innovative programs in education, economic opportunity, and leadership development. Mr. Miles demonstrated a passion for these subjects throughout his life, and The Miles Foundation remains focused on ensuring the next generation's success in these areas today. The Miles Foundation seeks to inspire individuals eager to learn, grow, and contribute to the betterment of their communities and country. To learn more, visit www.milesfdn.org.

SOURCE The Miles Foundation