Porter-Leath recognized as a program of excellence

The National Head Start Association (NHSA) is recognizing Memphis organization Porter-Leath as one of 13 Programs of Excellence.This designation is a symbol of the organization’s work with Memphis families and early childhood resources. Porter-Leath is among 1,600 grant recipients of the NHSA.“We are honored to receive this five-year, national designation earned only by those Head Start and Early Head Start programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in program management and service performance. Undoubtedly, the hard work and commitment of our staff has enabled us to provide the best available early learning and comprehensive services to the youngest children of Memphis and their families,” said Porter-Leath’s Early Head Start Director and Tennessee Head Start Association President Sheronda Smith.NHSA is the voice for systemically underserved children and families, believing that every child can succeed in school and beyond. NHSA distributes grants to organizations nationwide that bolster their mission, Porter-Leath being one of them. To Receive this award, Porter-Leath met 41 indicators of excellence showcasing initiatives and services that meet the needs of local children and families.Porter-Leath has been a grantee of Early Head Start in Shelby County for 24 years, serving 367 local children through home-based services. Beyond supporting early learning development, the organization provides social-emotional support and nutrition services. Since 2016 the organization has invested more than $40 million in improvements to early childhood facilities including Early Head Start.Porter-Leath has served the Memphis community for over 170 years.