DUNCAN — Providing resources to parents and their children is a job Deborah Smith enjoys.

Knowing that a child has a new book which could help them in getting a jump start in life, or a young parent discovers easier ways for their new role in life, Smith, director of Smart Start of Stephens County for the past three years, knows it makes a difference.

“It’s not a program, but an ongoing project to try and help make parents and the community aware that children start learning from birth,” she said.

Smith has discovered there is a strong, definitive need to continue helping those parents.

“We need to be a community where every child has an opportunity to have a smart start and quality life.”

Yet, a reduction in funding means sometimes the resources don’t get to those who need it most.

“We were implemented by the United Way as an initiative, not an agency, but an early childhood initiative because it’s ongoing. We lost 32 percent last year in state funding and are very much in need of dollars to continue operation.”

History includes Carol Wanzor serving as UW executive director in 2006 when the idea was first proposed for this area. Smith said Smart Start is a statewide initiative and this area is one of 18 communities taking part in it. UW dedicates office and equipment space, and Internet access for use by Smart Start.

Smith said about 3,000 families are served throughout Stephens, Jefferson and Cotton counties.

“We try and make parents aware and also make sure they know what support or resources are in the community to help them. Most people think early childhood development as cognitive, but there are health issues, safety issues, and as much emphasis should be placed on those as much as it is on learning.”

Having an office and brochures is not enough, so through events, Smart Start connects with its targeted audience.

“One of our more popular events is the annual Community Baby Shower. It focuses on new parents while they are excited and engaged about parenting and helps get them on the right foot by putting them in contact with community resources on a face to face basis.”

It has been held for four years and the local coalition thought up the idea during a strategic planning session which looks at a three-year schedule.

Another program is the “Teen Parent Connection” — a mentoring group for teen parents in high school to encourage their education.

“If we provide resource parents need, then children are less likely to be abused and neglected. This program includes the three alternative schools in the county in Duncan, Marlow and Comanche.”

The director of Smart Start is the only paid employee, so Smith is appreciative of volunteers who help keep it going.

“We don’t get dollars from United Way, but we get in-kind gifts, office space, internet and phone service, and machines. We are funded through the state and some private foundation donations.”

In 2010, 1,014 books were provided directly to children, 1,400 resource packages to parents, and through the early reading initiative, 355 children at four childcare sites were also provided books.

Smith, also a Duncan native, said what she does is more than a job to her, but a passion.

“I want to help other children and families in the area. I feel that it makes a difference to children and to families because they know there is someone out there that cares whether they succeed or not.”

One of her goals is to get other people feeling that sense of community-driven spirit. She knows many already do.

“Our coalition chairperson is Dr. Joann Pierce who has been involved since the beginning. I’m so happy to have her as a partner and collaborator on this project. Dr. Che Miller and Dr. Stacie Elfrink have also been involved with our coalition. We also need businesses to endorse us. If we weren’t out there making families aware of the services in the community, how to use those services more effectively, then many wouldn’t have their children prepared for school and to be a success in life.”