As we look back on 2025, we celebrate the wins that help advance our mission to ensure that Georgia’s youngest children thrive. At the same time, we acknowledge the challenges that show us there is still much work to be done. We spent this year convening, rallying, and working hand-in-hand with partners in the GEEARS-led Georgia Infant-Toddler Coalition. We also partnered with local, state, and federal elected officials, government agencies, and too many businesses, philanthropies, and fellow non-profits to list. As a community, we took strides, made change, and helped mitigate potential harm for Georgia’s youngest children, their families, and the early educators who care for them.
We’re especially proud of the following accomplishments, wins that were only possible due to our powerful partnerships. . .
- On November 1st, about 6,500 Georgia children were faced with losing their Head Start slots due to the federal government shutdown. GEEARS and partners quickly shared with legislators and private funders why Head Start is critical to Georgia’s families and economy and how urgent this crisis was. Thanks to the support of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and a dozen local foundations and philanthropists, we secured an impossibly fast $8 million bridge loan that allowed Head Start programs in the Metro Atlanta and Augusta areas to keep their doors open.
- At Strolling Thunder in February, GEEARS convened more than 150 Georgians from 33 cities and 20+ partners from across the state. We introduced lawmakers to the little ones and shared stories that illuminated the need for policies and programs that ensure young children’s academic success, their healthy development, and the economic well-being of their families.
- Last summer, more than 100 community partners staged literacy-rich Mayor’s Summer Reading Club events, sending more than 19,000 free MSRC picture books home with families.
- In July, GEEARS and the Metro Atlanta Chamber updated our joint research on the economic impacts of child care challenges. The new numbers showed that Georgia families are struggling more than ever. GEEARS quickly rallied partners to amplify this dire data at a press conference in the Georgia Capitol.
- Our Atlanta Early Education Ambassadors connected with more than 2,500 Atlantans in targeted communities, spreading the word about the importance of early childhood and helping caregivers find high-quality care and education for their little ones.
- In the Spring, our Georgia Infant-Toddler Coalition disseminated critical information in two high-impact forums. In March, 22 Coalition member organizations co-hosted the initiative’s third Child Care Town Hall, providing 240 providers with the opportunity to share feedback and learn about advocacy opportunities at the state and federal levels. The following month, 113 Georgia organizations or businesses and 1,043 individuals signed on to a Coalition letter to Georgia’s congressional delegation opposing drastic federal cuts to programs and services for young children.
It’s right there in GEEARS’ name—we are an alliance. United this year (as we have been ever since our founding in 2010), GEEARS and our partners fought hard for Georgia’s children and families. We shared resources and supported each other. We led on issues that were in our wheelhouse and contributed to other partners’ efforts as well.
Our strength is in our numbers and as we approach 2026, our commitment to both our mission and our partners is stronger than ever. We’d love to have you on board, too!
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