The Virginia Beach Library Foundation (VBLF) is proud to announce it has been awarded $25,000 from United Way of South Hampton Roads to support early childhood education in our community. This critical investment will be directed to the Virginia Beach GrowSmart Program, strengthening efforts to ensure young children have equitable access to high-quality early learning opportunities.
The earliest years of a child’s life are foundational to future success. Through the Virginia Beach GrowSmart Program, the Virginia Beach Library Foundation works to support children and families by promoting school readiness, early literacy, and access to resources that help children thrive from birth through age five. This funding will enhance GrowSmart’s ability to serve families across Virginia Beach—particularly those facing barriers to early learning access.
United Way of South Hampton Roads’ investment reflects a shared belief that early childhood education is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting, positive change. By supporting GrowSmart, United Way is helping to lay the groundwork for stronger educational outcomes, healthier families, and a more resilient community.
The $25,000 award will be used to expand and strengthen GrowSmart initiatives, including early literacy programming, caregiver engagement, and community-based partnerships that connect families to essential resources. By meeting families where they are and collaborating with trusted partners, GrowSmart helps ensure that children enter kindergarten ready to learn, grow, and succeed.
This award builds on the strong partnership between the Virginia Beach Library Foundation and United Way of South Hampton Roads. Both organizations are deeply committed to equity, accountability, and measurable outcomes that improve the lives of children and families. Together, we are aligning resources and expertise to maximize impact during the most critical years of development.
With United Way’s support, the Virginia Beach Library Foundation and the Virginia Beach GrowSmart Program will continue advancing a community-wide approach to early childhood education—one that values collaboration, innovation, and family voice. This investment moves us closer to a future where every child in Virginia Beach has the opportunity to start school ready to succeed.