Melba Marcrum is a hero to young children

She is the Executive Director of McNeilly Centers for Children, one of the largest nonprofit child care centers in Nashville. Not only do they provide child care, but she is the site of an official Pre-K classroom and the Read to Succeed program initiated by United Way of Metropolitan Nashville.

Testiments to her leadership and passion include a staff where turnover is very low (given the high turnover in this field), a strong and vibrant board of directors and very happy children. Walking through these center locations, you can hear the laughter and the learning from children who have it tough at home.

In the past few years, she has built a committee of volunteers to tackle the challenging issue of available infant and toddler child care slots in Nashville. This is an expensive program for any child care and many of the nonprofit centers are having a tough time keeping these programs viable for the families they serve. Without these programs, parents cannot go back to work or school to earn needed income for their families.

Melba has also engaged the Junior League of Nashville and their Home Board to invest further in the McNeilly Infant and Toddler program.

Hats off to Melba (Mom to me)! There are many children in Nashville that have a brighter future thanks to your effort and energy.

I was invited to participate in the Squidoo Superhero Project, making 5 lenses in 2 weeks about the people who have inspired me, mentored me, changed the way I look at the world. The people I just want to say a big loud public THANKS to.

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