About | C.O.S.Kids | Matthews, NC

Community Focused

C.O.S.Kids is a two-generational program in support of families.

For the Child: We provide critical developmental care and healthy growth, ensuring all children are prepared to be successful in school.

For the Parent: We mobilize resources and support families to improve health, stability and education.

Mission

To be early childhood specialists who advocate for the healthy development of children and families.

Vision

To strengthen our community by nurturing local families with educational, financial and spiritual support.

History

1996 Christ Our Shepherd Ministries was founded. (We opened with one classroom teacher and five children.)
1998 The Library opened, offering quality educational materials to families.
2006 Our presence continued to grow in the community, seeing attendance increase to 98 children enrolled in our classes.
2011 We changed the names of our ministry and library to C.O.S.Kids and Matthews Christian Library.
2014 We expanded to open four additional full-day classrooms and enrollment grew to 175 children.
2015 We became a 5 STAR center.
2018 C.O.S.Kids was voted Matthews Chamber Nonprofit of the Year!
2020 C.O.S.Kids was voted Matthews Chamber Nonprofit of the Year!

1996 Christ Our Shepherd Ministries was founded. (We opened with one classroom teacher and five children.)
1998 The Library opened, offering quality educational materials to families.
2006 Our presence continued to grow in the community, seeing attendance increase to 98 children enrolled in our classes.
2011 We changed the names of our ministry and library to C.O.S.Kids and Matthews Christian Library.
2014 We expanded to open four additional full-day classrooms and enrollment grew to 175 children.
2015 We became a 5 STAR center.
2018 C.O.S.Kids was voted Matthews Chamber Nonprofit of the Year!

Who We Are:

Board of Directors

Jennefer Garrity (Chair) - Attorney, Garrity & Gossage LLP
Joe Snider (Immed Past Chair) - Business Manager, Retail Odyssey
Kristi Byrum (Vice Chair) - Marketing Manager, Greiner Bio One
Ben Freeman (Treasurer) - VP & Business Relationship Manager, First National Bank
Courtney Solarek (Secretary) - Human Resources, Premiere Healthcare
Estelle Brendle - Grace & Hope Foundation
Randy Mitchell - RNM Consulting, VR Business Brokers
Dericus Scott - Owner, Standing Ovation
Aana Lisa Johnson Whatley - Founder Emeritus

Leadership Team

Executive Director -
Business Manager - Robin Havican
Director of Family Services - Sonja Payne
Director of Programs - Peggy Reisberg
Asst Director of Operations - Tina Townsend-Strong
Enrichment Coordinator - Ann Ennis
School Age Coordinator - Skye Humphries
Librarian - Tiffany Slack