Smart from the Start

A family support, community engagement and school readiness organization with a mission to promote the healthy development of undeserved children and families.

[Smart from the Start @SmartStart_Inc]

This money will go a long way to providing critical, strengthens-based, and trauma informed programs and services in our communities! Thank you!!!

[Smart from the Start @SmartStart_Inc]

We are so grateful to House Ways & Means Chair Michlewitz along with House Leader Mariano and Representative Fluker Oakley for including $500K in the House Budget to fund the work that Smart from the Start does to support and uplift children and families.

[Smart from the Start @SmartStart_Inc]

We are celebrating 15 years of educating children, empowering families, and uplifting communities in Boston on 11/30 at the Cyclorama. Check out our event page for more information and get your tickets today! https://t.co/sPqKg8C7JE

[Smart from the Start @SmartStart_Inc]

Today, Cherie Craft our Founder/CEO was invited to testify before the US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Work and Welfare to talk about our work at Smart. We'd like to express our gratitude to Chairman LaHood and Ranking Member Davis for the opportunity and support!

[Smart from the Start @SmartStart_Inc]

Smarties Euness, Lizzie & Genesis attended the Judiciary Committee Hearing on Coercive Control and Abusive Litigation at the Massachusetts State House! Over 130 politicians and individuals shared their support in bills against coercive control and domestic violence. So powerful!

[Smart from the Start @SmartStart_Inc]

Smart from the Start is celebrating 15 YEARS of empowering youth and families while following their lead to bridge resources into underserved communities! SAVE THE DATE, November 30th, 2023 and be ready to spend a fun filled evening with us as we reflect on the past 15 years!

[Smart from the Start @SmartStart_Inc]

Smart Family & Friends! After spending day 12 on the road, we arrived in Louisville, KY on day 13, where we toured the Muhammad Ali Center.

On day 14, we visited the Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, OH.

We headed back to DC for our final DAY 15!

#pilgrimage23

[Smart from the Start @SmartStart_Inc]

Day 10, we spent the day in MS learning about the life and lynching of Emmett Till.

Day 11, we visited Memphis, TN and the Lorraine Motel where Dr. MLK Jr., was assassinated. We also went to the Slave Haven Museum, a secret station for the Underground Railroad!

#pilgrimage23

[Smart from the Start @SmartStart_Inc]

Day 9, we visited Whitney Plantation outside NOLA. The Whitney is one of the first plantations to tell the story of enslaved Africans and their descendants.

Then, we went to the NOLA School of Cooking where we engaged in a Cajun/Creole cooking lesson and meal.

#pilgrimage23

[Smart from the Start @SmartStart_Inc]

Day 7, we visited the Freedom Rides Museum in Montgomery, an old Greyhound Station, where crusaders boarded buses to advance the cause of freedom. Day 8, we visited the Legacy Museum!

Lastly, we ended with a March across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma!

#pilgrimage23

[Smart from the Start @SmartStart_Inc]

After a fun day 5 at Myrtle Beach, we arrived in ATL for day 6! We started by exploring Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta & Brown!

Next, the older kids toured the Russell Innovation Center for Black Entrepreneurs (RICE) while the young leaders toured the MLK Center #pilgrimage23

[Smart from the Start @SmartStart_Inc]

Day 4, we began with a visit to the Old Slave Mart Museum in Charleston, SC where enslaved Africans and descendants were auctioned off and sold away.

Next we visited Mitchelville, the first colony of freed enslaved African Americans in Gulla/Geechie Islands.

#pilgrimage23

[Smart from the Start @SmartStart_Inc]

Day 3, our youth and family leaders had the privilege of visiting the International Civil Rights Center in Greensboro, NC!

The center is housed in the Woolworth’s building where the first lunch counter sit in was held by 4 college freshmen on February 1, 1960.

#pilgrimage23

[Smart from the Start @SmartStart_Inc]

Hello Everyone! Today, we took part in a libation ceremony and reenactment on the trail of enslaved Africans and Devil’s Half Acre in Richmond, VA.

We learned about the suffering endured and resilience Africans had as we walked from shore to Lumpkin’s Slave Jail.

#pilgrimage23

[Smart from the Start @SmartStart_Inc]

We embarked on our journey from our Boston Site and traveled to our Family Success Center in DC!

Our first stop was the Harriet Tubman Museum in Dorchester, MD. 
Next, we visited the 1619 landing in Hampton, VA, where the first documented enslaved Africans arrived.
#Pilgrimage23

[Smart from the Start @SmartStart_Inc]

Smart from the Start offices will be closed for the observance of Independence Day 🎆

[Smart from the Start @SmartStart_Inc]

Our CEO and Smart team are away on a healing retreat with DC youth who have been impacted by gun violence. With all of the trauma these beautiful and brilliant youngsters have experienced over the past months it’s great to see them having fun and on path to healing.

#smartyouth

[Smart from the Start @SmartStart_Inc]

Fathers making a change! Last night we celebrated dads who completed Nurturing Fathers and Anger Management. National fatherhood coordinator, Matt Jackson inspired the dads by providing support and mentorship. We can’t wait to see what these change makers will do!
#smartfathers

[Smart from the Start @SmartStart_Inc]

What an AMAZING day with our Enterprise Family! We were blown away by a $25,000 contribution, and “swag bags” for our 2023 Civil Rights Pilgrimage! The years of ongoing support have been crucial to the life changing work we are doing! We are so GRATEFUL!
#GRATITUDE #FAMILYSUPPORT