President Finley's Perspective

President Finley's Perspective

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Celebrating 61 Years of Head Start

A Homecoming to Action for a Better Community

It was a tremendous honor to return to my hometown of Rochester, NY and serve as the keynote speaker for Action for a Better Community (ABC) as they celebrated 61 years of providing Head Start Services and creating pathways of opportunity for children and families.

For me, this celebration was especially meaningful. I grew up in Rochester and am proud to say that I am a product of ABC and its commitment to children and families. Nearly 30 years after leaving Rochester, I had the extraordinary opportunity to return—not only as President of Corning Community College, but as a former ABC Head Start child—to share a message with the very organization that helped shape my journey.

My keynote address, “Where You Start Matters,” reflected on the profound impact that early experiences, caring adults, educational opportunities, and community institutions can have on the trajectory of a person's life.

ABC's 61 years of Head Start Service represent far more than six decades of programming. They represent generations of children whose lives have been positively influenced, families strengthened, and futures expanded. My own story is a testament to what is possible when a community makes the decision to invest in its children.

I extend my deepest appreciation to ABC President & CEO Jerome Underwood and VP for Early Childhood Services Sharon Minigan for the invitation and for their extraordinary leadership. I am grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside the dedicated teachers, staff, administrators, and community partners who continue to advance ABC's mission.

As I shared during my remarks, we may never fully know the impact of a moment when we encourage a child, open a door, provide an opportunity, or simply tell them that we believe in them.

But sometimes, decades later, that child comes home to say:

“Thank you. What you did mattered.”

Congratulations to Action for a Better Community on 61 years of Head Start Service and on the countless lives touched along the way.

Because of organizations like ABC, I have come to understand that where you start does not determine where you finish, but Where You Start Truly Matters!

~ Dr. Terence L. Finley
President, SUNY Corning Community College

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