NCFC: Empowering families

The Nicholtown Child and Family Collaborative (NCFC) began as the Nicholtown Early Learning Taskforce in 2012, when Representative Chandra Dillard set out to return Head Start to Nicholtown. 

In 2014, The Strategic Organization completed an assessment of what Nicholtown community members would like to have available to them within a one mile radius.  Over 250 parents of young children in Nicholtown were surveyed, which laid the groundwork for the strategic plan by which the NCFC abides. 

The Nicholtown Child and Family Collaborative (formerly known as the Nicholtown Early Learning Taskforce) aims to create a place-based, two-generation community center with wrap-around services in a high-needs area of Greenville, South Carolina, known as Nicholtown.  NCFC was established to provide services for the children and families of Nicholtown to improve child outcomes; provide parent training, education, and employment; and build lasting community infrastructure. 

In 2023, NCFC  expanded services to provide aid and support to more families residing in Greenville County. This was achieved by relocating to a larger facility and introducing a parenting program called Nurturing Skills for Young Parents (NSYP). In addition, the existing parenting program, Parent Cafe, which is held at Sterling School, also continues to grow. 

The NSYP program uses the Nurturing Parenting Program to support young parents aged 13-24, including those pregnant or parenting. Nurturing Parenting Programs are a family-centered, trauma-informed initiative designed to build nurturing parenting skills as an alternative to abusive and neglecting parenting and child-rearing practices. In addition, The NSYP program operates on an Earn While You Learn system. Parents earn Baby Bucks for participation and goal attainment. These Baby Bucks are redeemed for essential items, including diapers, baby equipment, and other necessities. These rewards serve as a helpful resource for families seeking to provide the best possible care for their young children.