Growing with Futures: a strong start with Early Head Start

Growing with Futures: a strong start with Early Head Start

by | Sep 24, 2026 | Early Childhood News, News, Uncategorized

When preschool mom, Lynda, was planning to send her sixth child through Futures preschool, she did something first that she had not done with her other five children.

Before her youngest child, Dawson, was old enough for preschool, she enrolled him in Futures’ Early Head Start program, which serves prenatal moms and infants and toddlers to age 3.

“I just wanted to stay on top of everything,” Lynda said of her reason for enrolling in Early Head Start, which brings a home visitor into the home weekly for an hour and a half of developmental play time and goal setting. “I didn’t notice any, but if he had delays, I wanted them to be caught early and addressed sooner rather than later.”

Surprisingly, making time each week for this 90-minute visit was not a scheduling challenge, despite Lynda being a busy, single, working mom with six children. “The entire family looked forward to the visits and seeing how excited Dawson was to have Miss Deana and later Miss Shirley come with their “bag full of things” made me realize what a good thing this was,” said Lynda.

Lynda says Dawson has loved his Early Head Start visits and that she feels she should have enrolled sooner. He’s learned a lot of his colors and shapes and worked on taking turns and sharing to get him ready for preschool. “I feel like he opened up more with someone coming once a week,” says Lynda. “He had things he was excited to tell her, like what he had eaten and she would reinforce his healthy eating choices.” Lynda also admitted it was nice having another adult to talk to.

The Early Head Start program helped Dawson not only get ready for preschool but to look forward to it. “And, I was more at ease myself taking him,” says Lynda. “I didn’t have as many concerns about leaving him at preschool. I feel more confident as a mom.”

This is just the beginning! Follow along in our future posts as Dawson grows from Early Head Start to preschool!

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Futures Unlimited, Inc. is Sumner County’s premier early childhood program offering preschool, Early Head Start, Head Start preschool, special education and Pre-K services for children ages prenatal to 5. Research-based curriculum ties all program activities to cognitive outcomes. Full-day and half-day preschool options are available. School readiness checkpoints ensure children are progressing toward their next educational step. Programs involve and benefit the whole family. Futures helps families thrive! To find out more call 316.369.0256, email apply@futures-unlimited.org or visit www.futures-unlimited.org.

 

Direct Support Professional Appreciation Week

Direct Support Professional Appreciation Week

by | Sep 21, 2026 | News

DSP Recognition Week at Futures was a week of the celebration lunches, t-shirts, gift bags, games, and notes of gratitude which only scratches the surface of our thanks for this group of employees at Futures Unlimited, Inc.

Our appreciation for direct support professionals at Futures Unlimited continues long after this nationally designated week concludes.

DSPs are the backbone, the catalyst, the reason why GOOD HAPPENS in our adult programs and they have our deep respect and gratitude.

If you’ve not been encouraged to be silly and HAVE FUN at your job or have never had a lasagna party thrown in your honor – you might consider joining us in our mission at Futures Unlimited, Inc. 😄

A memorable celebration for Futures’ 50th anniversary

A memorable celebration for Futures’ 50th anniversary

by | May 26, 2026 | News

The 50th Anniversary Celebration, Ribbon Tying and Open House on May 26th was truly special — a memorable milestone for Futures on Tuesday. We were thrilled to see such a wonderful turnout of community supporters, including local leaders, longtime partners, families, friends, and others who have supported Futures through the years.

To commemorate the organization’s 50th anniversary, Futures president/CEO Christa delivered heartfelt remarks reflecting on the agency’s history, growth, and impact over the past five decades. As she shared highlights from each decade, members of the management team lit five commemorative sparklers symbolizing the organization’s journey, growth, adaptations and progress through the years.

Audience members were then presented with ceremonial slices of cake representing the many individuals and groups who have shaped the organization’s success.

Duane Williams received the first slice on behalf of the very first individuals who received disability support services when Futures opened its doors on May 24, 1976. The moment was especially touching, bringing Duane to tears.

Next, April Dugan accepted a slice representing the thousands of individuals who have relied on Futures for transportation services over the years.

To honor the impact of target case management, Jimmy Herrington received a slice on behalf of the many people who have benefited from those supports throughout the agency’s history.

A slice was then presented to Hollie May and her two boys, representing the many families who have trusted Futures with early childhood services designed to help children thrive.

Employees were also recognized during the ceremony with a slice presented to current direct support professional Jennifer Doerge, honoring the countless staff members whose time, expertise, compassion, and dedication have strengthened every program and service throughout the past five decades.

As part of a founder’s tribute, current board member Phil White presented a slice to original board member Jerry Pooler, recognizing the determination and vision of those who worked tirelessly to establish the organization in its earliest years.

Finally, Jeanne Brown and Shelia Schroeder with Sumner Mental Health Center accepted slices representing the invaluable role community partners have played in the agency’s continued success.

Christa concluded the ceremony by sharing, “Together, these individuals represent the relationships, trust, dedication, and community that have defined our first 50 years — and will guide our future as we continue to change and grow for years to come.”

Attendees then gathered for a ribbon tying symbolizing the many ties Futures has built throughout the community during the past 50 years. Susan Doherty then captured a truly special group photo that included nearly every person who attended the reception. Guests were invited to enjoy cake and take tours of the grounds following the ceremony. It was truly a remarkable day. Thank you to each person who joined us for our 50th anniversary celebration.