Greg and Lori Valyou of Brightwork Technologies, a local technology solution provider in conjunction with the Mike Cline Invitational have donated 50 backpacks and school supplies to the St. Johns County School District Head Start Program as part of Office Depot's "National Backpack Program". The program provides "at-risk" school children with a new backpack for the upcoming school year. Backpacks are distributed through charities and organizations focused on education, disaster relief, violence and domestic abuse. As an extension of the program Brightwork Technologies also contributed a selection of basic supplies with each backpack.
Greg Valyou serves in a Board and Executive Advisory capacity to two separate Florida Non-Profit organizations focused on helping children. Mr. Valyou stated “We live and work here and see many needs that we can help support in our community. The backpack program allows us to contribute something that every school age child needs and sends a message to the children that they are important and the community cares.”
The St. Johns County School District (SJCSD) Head Start Program serves 135 income-eligible three and four year olds. Head Start classrooms are located at Crookshank Elementary School and the Webster School in St. Johns County. The SJCSD Head Start Program includes comprehensive child development services, parent involvement, and strong community partnerships. In addition to providing a developmentally appropriate preschool setting for each child throughout the school year, other comprehensive child development services include health, mental health, dental, and nutritional services. The parent involvement component includes classroom participation, parent education, participation in program governance, and development of personal goal setting to foster family self-sufficiency. Head Start works closely with many community agencies to provide a collaborative support system for Head Start families. SJCSD Head Start, 2980 Collins Avenue (FCTI) Building A, St. Augustine, Florida 32084 Phone: (904)-829-1040
The Mike Cline Invitational is an annual series of events that directly benefit various children’s charities. Its founder, Mike Cline is a former NFL football player. Throughout the year Mr. Cline organizes various events with his celebrity and business friends and sponsors to fund and support many community based initiatives. Mike Cline Invitational, 225 NE Mizner Blvd, Ste 300, Boca Raton, Florida 33423, Phone (561) 620-7441, www.mikecline.com.