Early Education, Big Impact: Inside Growing Futures’ 60-Year Journey

If you ask Larry Lewis, Jr., executive director of Growing Futures Early Education Center, what sets the organization apart, he won’t start with curriculum or classrooms. He starts with families.

“Many people think early education is babysitting or daycare,” Lewis says. “What sets us apart is that we focus on the science and art of child development, meeting children where they are and helping them reach key milestones so they’re ready for school.”

That work doesn’t stop with the child. Growing Futures wraps its services around the entire family. “If the family dynamic is stressed, it’s difficult for a child to truly learn,” Lewis explains. “So, we empower families, remove barriers, and support goal-setting — especially for those navigating poverty.”

In Johnson County, Kansas, an affluent community on paper, poverty often goes unnoticed. Growing Futures serves families quietly living at or near the poverty threshold. “The need is real,” Lewis says. “And it’s growing.”

A History of Growth

Growing Futures is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary, a milestone that reflects deep roots in the community. “We were formerly the Head Start of Shawnee Mission,” Lewis says. “When we rebranded 15 years ago, people thought we disappeared. We didn’t — we evolved.”

That evolution continues into 2026 with a refreshed brand and a strategic push to raise awareness across the metro. “We want to spiderweb across the community,” Lewis explains. “We want people to understand the work we’re doing and how they can support it — whether they’re individuals, foundations, corporations, or neighbors who care about their community.”

Stories That Stick

While metrics matter, Lewis believes stories best capture the impact. One involves a young mother enrolled with her child who lost her job while working toward her GED. Overwhelmed, she stopped bringing her child to the program.

“Our team stayed connected and helped her set realistic goals,” Lewis recalls. “We supported her return to employment, and her child came back to the classroom.”

The progress continued. She later enrolled a second child, completed her GED, and is now pursuing an associate’s degree, possibly in education. Her oldest child is now thriving in fourth grade, ranking in the top 3 percent of the class — success she credits to the support her family received at Growing Futures.

“These stories aren’t rare,” Lewis says. “They’re the heartbeat of what we do.”

More Than a Classroom

Growing Futures takes a comprehensive approach to early education. “We don’t just help children meet developmental milestones,” Lewis explains. “We help families navigate challenges with confidence. Even if a family remains in poverty, they leave our program capable, informed, and connected to resources.”

The organization has also made significant strides internally. “When I started four years ago, we were down 40 percent of our staff,” Lewis says. “Now we’re fully staffed, with 89 percent retention — which is nearly unheard of right now.”

That success comes from investing in people. “We prioritize psychological safety and create a culture where staff can do their best work,” he adds.

Community Engagement

The organization’s 2026 calendar is filled with opportunities to connect, including Run for the Roses, a Kentucky Derby watch party on May 2, and Harvesting Hope, a fall outdoor event featuring keynote speakers and opportunities to meet families.

“There are so many ways to get involved,” Lewis says. “Volunteering in classrooms, helping with beautification projects, supporting events, or providing resources — every contribution moves our mission forward.”

Looking Ahead

Lewis’s pride in his team is clear. “From senior leadership to classroom educators, everyone shows up for our families,” he says. “My guiding question is always, ‘Is it good for kids?’ If the answer is yes, we figure out the rest.”

Growing Futures is more than an early education center. It’s a promise — that every child, regardless of circumstance, has the foundation to thrive, and every family has the tools to move forward.

With a refreshed brand, strategic outreach, and a deeply committed team, Growing Futures is ready to ensure the community knows exactly who they are — and why their work matters.

Want to learn more or get involved?

Growing Futures is always looking for community members who want to make a real impact — whether that means volunteering your time, supporting an event, or donating. To learn more about the organization, explore ways to get involved, or contribute to their mission, click here.