Porter-Leath

Our work has evolved since our humble beginnings as an orphanage but our drive to help build a strong community has not changed. Data-driven decision making, measurable outcomes and positive feedback from families, powers our commitment to excellence. By focusing on the essential building blocks of healthy development, we not only give children and families access to the tools they need, but also a sense of hope.

Efficiency, quality and dedication are synonymous with Porter-Leath. For 175 years, Porter-Leath has been the primary resource for children and families in the Mid-South.

OUR MISSION

Empowering children and families to achieve a healthy, optimal and independent lifestyle.

OUR VISION

To be the leader in helping children and families succeed.

OUR VALUES

We value all and believe in earliest intervention, safest environments, teamwork, integrity, professional development, and doing what we say.

OUR FOCUS AREAS:

BOOKS FROM BIRTH Books from Birth's mission is to promote kindergarten readiness and strengthen family bonds in Shelby County by providing age-appropriate books for all children from birth to age five. Currently, 36,000 children receive a new book each month at no cost to their families in Shelby County.

CONNECTIONS Children from abusive or neglectful homes, as well as children from loving families who may experience a troubled period, often lack the fundamental skills to succeed in school, their communities and life. They need a safe place to live, a nurturing environment in which to grow and the emotional and physical support that only comes from making the right Connections. This focus area is operated by clinical staff 24-hours a day, and provides foster care services for children from birth to age 18 in a supportive and therapeutic environment. 

CORNERSTONE Cornerstone gives newborns and preschool children the best start in life by helping pregnant mothers and parenting families in their homes, thereby reducing infant mortality and improving literacy and language skills.

GENERATIONS Children need strong, consistent relationships with caring adults that help build confidence and life skills. They need extra love, nurturing and understanding. They need Generations, the Porter-Leath sponsored version of the national AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs. Generations helps to fill the gap, bringing children in need together with seniors in a mutually-beneficial experience.

PRESCHOOL A child's development begins in the earliest moments of life, with social and cognitive skills that affect their ability to enter school and succeed. All families of children from birth to 5 years old should have access to high-quality early childhood education. We want to ensure these children develop to the best of their ability and receive all of the building blocks necessary to be successful in school.

TEACHER EXCELLENCE PROGRAM The Teacher Excellence program aims to professionalize the universal work of early childhood education by strengthening best practices in preschool classrooms and enhance the skill set of early childhood educators in the Mid-South.

EARLY SUCCESS COALITION  ESC supports the expansion and coordination of a comprehensive system of high-quality services for children preconception through age 5 through family engagement and community collaboration to promote early childhood development.

NEXT MEMPHIS The community for childcare, NEXT Memphis provides provides business, classroom, and family support for childcare centers in Shelby County.

IN-KIND DONATIONS NEEDED