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Vanessa Rich, 1951 - 2015
January 8, 2016
All children need a laptop. Not a computer, but a human laptop. Moms, Dads, Grannies and Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles - someone to hold them, read to them, teach them. Loved ones who will embrace them and pass on the experience, rituals and knowledge of a hundred previous generations. Loved ones who will pass to the next generation their expectations of them, their hopes, and their dreams.
-Colin Powell, first black U.S. Secretary of State, 1937 - 2021
-Colin Powell, first black U.S. Secretary of State, 1937 - 2021
Vanessa Ann Rich, City of Chicago Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Family and Support Services, died on Sunday, December 27, 2015. The National Head Start Association's tribute to Vanessa observed (in part):
"Vanessa engaged herself completely in everything she cared about. That she cared so much for Head Start meant that the millions of children and families she touched had a unique opportunity for success in life. Vanessa was a brilliant and formidable leader, a fearless advocate, and a kind, devoted friend. Born on October 30, 1951 in Monmouth, Illinois, Vanessa served as a teen volunteer intern for the newly created Head Start program in the summer of 1965, a transformative experience that set the course for her life's work. Throughout a career spanning more than 40 years, Vanessa remained a remarkable early learning advocate – embracing and pursuing professional opportunities that would fuel her passion to expand opportunity for vulnerable children and families....
"Vanessa once said, 'In Head Start, we don't just stand on the porch, we come all the way into the house.' That is how she lived: all the way in. Her fervent belief in the value of quality early learning — and the bold, deliberate, determination with which she pursued that conviction — will continue inspiring and fortifying the entire Head Start community."
Vanessa was always a fervent supporter of Exchange -- she was always among the first to try out our new resources. I remember her incredibly optimistic and joyous attitude, and her wonderful sense of humor.
NHSA is planning a "National Celebration of Vanessa's Life" on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2016.
NHSA and Vannesa's family encourage tax-deductible charitable donations be made to the Vanessa Rich Leadership Fund. Donations will fund scholarships for the next generation of aspiring Head Start leaders and advocates. Donations can be made online or via check.  Vanessa Rich Leadership Fund ℅ National Head Start Association PO Box 759400 Baltimore, MD 21275 |
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ExchangeEveryDay is the official electronic newsletter for Exchange Press. It is delivered five days a week containing news stories, success stories, solutions, trend reports, and much more.
Comments (2)
Displaying All 2 CommentsHoosier Uplands Head Start
Mitchell, IN, United States
Thank you for posting this tribute to Vanessa. Vanessa was one of the most passionate advocates for Head Start and her leadership in the Head Start community will be greatly missed.
Westmoreland Community Action
Greensburg, PA, United States
What a great article and a tribute to a true advocate for Head Start. I have worked for Head Start for over 25 years. The story brought a tear to my eyes. My mother and her friend volunteered for Head Start back in 1965 in Greensburg, PA. They were so impressed and loved the program and concept. They opened their own church preschool patterned after Head Start. They lived in an area where there would have been very few Head Start eligible children at that time and also there were no preschools. Anyways, my mom ran a successful preschool for many many years. Vanassa to me is what Head Start is all about. True dedication to a very valuable program.
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