When 25-year-old mom Catherine Stewart struggled with loneliness and anxiety, even simple things like playdates felt overwhelming. After sharing her feelings with her DSS social worker, she was introduced to Connected Families, a first-of-its-kind initiative from South Carolina First Steps, DSS, and the Department of Mental Health that helps parents build community and support.

Calhoun County First Steps hosted its third annual Roll and Read on Tuesday, October 21 as a celebration of literacy, movement, and community engagement for families with young children.  Nearly 250 children and families from across the county, including families participating in Parents As Teachers with Calhoun County First Steps, Early Head Start, a First Steps 4K classroom, and two elementary schools, participated in a one-mile walk and stroller/wagon roll.

Stephanie Webster was deeply concerned when some of her students didn’t know their own names. Her time in both the public school system revealed profound gaps in academics, self-awareness, and identity development. That realization led her to leave public education and pursue her passion: supporting young learners at a foundational level.