Our Focus

The Ready Region Southeastern Family Council was created to help parents take an active role in their child’s early years leading up to kindergarten. The council’s focus is to help parents build a stronger early childhood system, learn about early childhood care, education systems, community resources, discuss current programs and determine what more is needed by families to help raise children who are healthy, thriving, and ready to learn.

 We are looking for families who will help us close the gaps in education, help parents to find needed resources, and create a “think out of the box” attitude.

 Our Southeastern Ready Region has established three separate family councils, serving the Eastern Shore, South Hampton Roads, and Western Tidewater regions.

 Family Council meeting specifics:

  • We strive to make meetings interactive, fun, and informational.

  • We meet monthly, in person, or via zoom. 

  • Parents receive a $50 gift card for their participation. 

  • A tablet will be provided for council members who don’t have access to a computer. 

  • Dinner will be provided at all in-person meetings. 

  • We ask for at least a year commitment on the council.

Once a parent has been identified as a good candidate for the council, the Family Engagement Coordinator will: 

  1. Contact the parent and schedule a one-on-one meeting to discuss the criteria for joining the council. 

  2. The parent will sign the Ready Region Southeastern Family Council Agreement. 

  3. The parent will be provided with a calendar with future meeting dates and will be given resources periodically to use personally and to share within their respective community.

There is also an opportunity for the Family Council to select a Regional Parent Advocate to attend state meetings as a representative on the Virginia Promise Partnership Parent Advisory Board. 

 If interested in joining one of our Family Councils, please contact Namona Griffin at GriffiNP@EVMS.EDU

 Current Priorities

  • Promote Resources757.org so families and their advocates can find and use Hampton Roads resources.

  • Promote TheBasics so families and community organizations share a broad understanding of the five basic principles that support healthy early childhood development.

  • Participate in community events in which members share information and resources, and promote future Family Council membership.

Eastern Shore Family Council

Amber Boggs, Eastville

Emma Hannon, Chincoteague

Christia Harmon, Onancock

Cristy Marsh, Accomack

Shannon Onley, Exmore

Autumn Rice, Accomack

Heather Tucker, Accomack