A Taste of Milk & Honey
At the Center, wisely or not, we make promises to our children. By this I do not mean that we say, “We promise, on scout’s honor, hand on the Bible, on my mother’s grave, cross my heart and hope to die, etc., etc.” Such expressions are but poor scaffolding to support a weak promise that cannot stand alone. Many of the children we serve have heard such words: I’m sorry, but I promise to be at your game next time; I promise next year I really will come to your end-of-year school party; I promise never again to forget your birthday. So, when a child in our Children’s Enrichment Program asks one of our singers/storytellers, “Will you come back?” the answer is a clear and straight Yes. “I’ll bet you are just saying that.” Now what? The singers/storytellers show up. In time the child will trust an adult again.
Still, some say it is not wise to make promises to children. Why? Well, there are those who think the rules for promises do not apply when dealing with children. I recall hearing a grocer lie to a child who came to buy candy. When the child left, another customer asked, “Why did you lie to that child?” The grocer replied, “It is not lying if you are talking to a child.” Others say it isn’t wise because children are literalists: a Yes is Yes, a No is No. They don’t realize that many adults build into their promise a lot of “ifs”: if it doesn’t rain; if I am not too tired; if I don’t get a better offer.
Be that as it may, at the Center we make promises to the children. We say Yes and we show up. There is no substitute for showing up.
But a serious question is raised: how can you say Yes and show up when there is a big “if” in your program? The “if” is this: “if” we receive enough gifts, we will show up. An understandable “if” but not a real “if.” You see, quite a number of you have addressed the “if” by giving.
But what if? What if? If there is not enough giving, do we say to the children, “We will be back if we get the money?” No; we will not say that. We will find a way to make our Yes a Yes. And how will that be?
- Written by Dr. Craddock June 2010
From the Executive Director
When you least expect it, wonderful things can happen.
I like to go to work at The Craddock Center for a couple of hours on Sunday mornings before heading to church. It’s quiet, the phone doesn’t ring, and I get a lot done.
On Sunday morning, March 2nd, I was at The Craddock Center and there is a “knock at the door”. And being totally honest, my first response to myself was “rats”!! I go to the door, and there is a man dressed somewhat disheveled, who says “I want to make a donation.”
I invited him in, and we chatted for a while. He says he goes to the casino in Murphy, NC a lot and sees our sign every time and wondered what we did.
I learned this man lived in Canton, GA (about 45 miles south of us) and he was a custodian for the Cherokee County school system.
I shared with him about the work of The Craddock Center and told him about all the children we serve in the area around the casino.
He pulled out his wallet and handed me $340.
Celebrating Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss’ Birthday
On March 8thth, The Craddock Center celebrated Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss’ Birthday. On this day volunteers from The Craddock Center delivered 1,178 brand new Dr. Seuss books to the pre-K and Head Start children we serve.
Read Across America Day is a day to celebrate the joys of reading. It also brings awareness to the importance of reading in education for our children. The founders of this day decided to have it on Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Dr. Seuss is one of the greatest authors of children’s books. Most kids have grown up reading his many entertaining books. The Craddock Center is making sure our kids can share in the joy of his books like many of us have over the years.
Thanks to Elder Hogan and Elder Benderpack for packing the books…. And thanks to Anne Williams, Cathy Cavagnaro, Joe Cantwell, and Carolyn Lakes for delivering the books.
Special thanks to the Clipper Petroleum Foundation, North Georgia Community Foundation, and Operation Round-Up for their generosity in supporting this program!
Songs & Stories 2025
Songs & Stories returned to the Craddock Center on February 8, 2025!
We were especially excited and honored that John McCutcheon, a world-traveled musician, songwriter, and folksinger, returned as the performer for this event. He thrilled our guests with beautiful folk music and storytelling.
And Natalie Jones, one of our own Arts Specialists, provided lively and humorous storytelling. She shared examples of both her storytelling work with children at our preschools and her personal stories crafted for grown-up audiences.
As always, admission was free, and our guests responded with very generous donations. The money raised will go towards the purchase of new books for the little ones we serve.
Songs & Stories was started by Dr. Fred Craddock over twenty years ago. He wanted something in the winter that people could enjoy. An event that brought people together to have a fun winter afternoon highlighting the old Appalachian traditions of storytelling and folk music.
Songs & Stories returns next year during our 25th anniversary on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 3:00 pm.
Kudos to our Smart Babies Facilitators
Smart Babies has provided workshops at four agencies this year, serving parents of children aged 0-3. Next year, we will expand our workshops to include ages 3-5. After discovering that less than 30% of children in our surrounding counties have access to preschool, it seemed only right that we extend our services to address this need. We are excited to do so!
We currently have eleven very dedicated volunteer facilitators. What do they do in these workshops? They facilitate learning in several different areas with the goal of helping the parents be their child’s “best first teacher.” They make these workshops fun by providing hands-on activities, demonstrations and plenty of time for the parents to share and discuss ideas. They love conducting the workshops and the participants love what Smart Babies offers. Comments from just a few of recent participants include:
“I love learning more everyday tips for me to do that helps his learning.”
“I absolutely love these classes!”
“I love how the teachers teach us to be better teachers for our children.”
“Thank you. You guys are a blessing!”
Smart Babies have adopted the curriculum, Ready for Kindergarten. This is a program based on current research. Each facilitator spends two to three hours studying the material before each workshop. Most of our facilitators have a background in education and all have a background in parenting. Each agency has a lead facilitator who is in charge of working with the agency director in creating schedules, arranging location of workshops, and setting up technology. Facilitators also go to the Smart Babies workroom at The Craddock Center to pick up kits for each participant, special books selected by Smart Baby facilitators and other books that the parents freely select.
Three of our volunteers are currently working with possible locations to expand our program next school year. We are hoping to work with some of the local school systems. Our Smart Babiesprogram could not exist without these dedicated volunteers!
Bev Cook
Smart Babies Coordinator
Charity Gala on September 27, 2025
Make It Yours Alterations & Formalwear is hosting its 3rd Annual Charity Gala on September 27, 2025 to support the work and programs of The Craddock Center. Relive your prom memories with your friends and raise money for an outstanding non-profit. Sponsorship packages are available.