Jessica Hurt Weaver Heads to Nashville

Jessica Hurt Weaver, a former Madison County Head Start student (class of 1991-1992), is headed to Nashville to chase her dream.  She is the daughter of Bonnie and the deceased Bennie (Randolph) Hurt.

Jessica, wife and mom of two, was named the winner of The Blackbird Country Contest sponsored by Grammy award winning Martina McBride and much-admired journalist Katie Couric, with results revealed on the Katie show in November 2013.

Head Start alleviates worry for parent who is full-time nursing student

Head Start has been a saint for me and my family. While attending nursing school , full-time, doing all the required homework, attending after school activities and just being a mother, the least of my worries were my children.

I have four children, with three graduating from Head Start. My three children had the same teachers, Mrs. Petty and Ms. Carter. I knew they were in an atmosphere where they were loved, treated with respect and wanted to see success from them. My children were happy to go to school each and every day. I could call and

A community works together after weather devastation

On April 27 and 28, 2011, Washington County, Virginia suffered much destruction from the tornadoes and hail storms that passed through the region. Glade Spring, Virginia was the hardest hit with many of the homes damaged to the extent that simple repair was not possible. Numerous trailers were flattened, and debris was scattered for many miles. Fortunately only four people lost their lives; however, there were many injured, and most of those affected were left homeless. It will take many, many months for the families and businesses to truly recover from the devastation.

A Family Success Story

Child Development Resource’s (CDR) Early Head Start Program in Norge, Virginia has had many success stories, but they’re especially proud of this recent history.

About five years ago, a young mother with a six-month old infant enrolled in their program. This single mother had been sexually abused, and had a history of drug and alcohol abuse. She had not completed high school and was living in poverty.