submitted by Marge Alcorn, Family Advocate, Anderson County Early Head Start, Clinton, Tennessee

Our children will have many advantages over other preschool children because they have first hand experience with CP. Their curious minds are working constantly and they are not afraid to ask questions or to explore Jojo’s equipment. Jojo loves it too! He just smiles when he is dropped off and he has bonded with his teacher. He loves the interaction with the other children.

At first Jojo was a little fearful of all the noises and all the commotion in the room but he has made a remarkable adjustment. He tracks with his eyes and he interacts well with the teachers and his classmates. Physical therapy and occupational therapy are special times for him as well as the other children! We have lots of visitors who not only spend time helping Jojo, but the other children as well! They all join in for some special attention!

Jojo was referred to us by Cathy Taylor with Tennessee Early Intervention Systems. We have worked closely with TEIS, other agencies and Jojo’s mother to establish the best possible goals for Jojo and his family. One goal we have accomplished with the help of many in our community is to establish an easier access to our Early Head Start Center. The initial force to get the community involved started with Jojo’s parents. Their forethought and diligence saw that this idea became reality. With the help of our Early Head Start Director, Linda Yarbrough; Early Head Start staff, Lena McKinney and Marge Alcorn; Norwood Elementary Principal, Wayne Patton; Superintendent of Anderson County Schools, Jim Stewart; Fiscal Manager Stan Curtis; Director of Maintenance, Bob Templin, and finally Anderson County Road Superintendent, Gary Long, this goal has been met. A small drive has been constructed along with parking for staff and parents to make access to our center much easier. The drive is currently gravel by it will be paved soon. Both the maintenance department and the road department have donated much of the man-hours required for this project.

Because this access has always been a need, we were delighted to see it become a reality. We can’t help but believe that this dream became possible as the result of Jojo and his needs. Therefore, we have named this drive in honor of him. The official name for this drive is Jojo Russell Lane. We dedicated the drive on May 16th, 2002. Many of those involved with the dream attended the dedication along with Jojo’s family. We are all so pleased with this accomplishment. It just proves that no matter how great the obstacles may seem, goals can be met if we all work together. Since Jojo’s enrollment in December he has touched so many of our lives, not only in the Early Head Start Program but in the community as well.

The story does not end here because we have accomplished another happy ending, (beginning?). Jojo’s twin brother, Samuel has also enrolled in our EHS program. That was another goal of the family. What a benefit we have seen for our children, staff, program, and our community. We truly are at one together for the benefit of all children!