Attorney new chairman of Down East Partnership for Children

KIMBERLY BELLAMY

Down East Partnership for Children (DEPC) has appointed a new chairman of its board of directors, David Henson of the Henson & Fuerst law firm in Rocky Mount.

He will work to attract the attention of business leaders in the Twin Counties.

Henson will take leadership on Jan. 1 and serve a three-year term.

DEPC is a non-profit organization in Rocky Mount that offers services to children and families in Nash and Edgecombe Counties to ensure children are embracing learning by age 8.

“Unfortunately, if kids aren’t all on equal footing by third grade then they’ll fall behind,” Henson said.

Henson, 36, has two children ages 2 and 6, received services from DEPC and served on various committees with the organization. He began taking advantage of the resources like DEPC’s lending library, then got more involved by stepping up to vice chair of the board of directors, and communication chair.

“I was trying to educate myself as a parent in that capacity but also as a business leader,” he said.

“I think he’ll bring the skills he has as a lawyer, champion of children and healthcare advocate,” said Henrietta Zalkind, executive director of DEPC.

“He will be our key champion, and he’s very will fitted for that role.”

Henson said his main focus will be getting business to see how involvement with DEPC will impact them.

He cited that without reliable children care for employees, business can’t function properly.

“This is a critical situation in the here and now,” he said.

“The efforts being made to support children and families resonates in the community.”

Henson said he wants to defuse the misconception that DEPC services are only for those who have financial problems or that come from a certain background. He said that the organization’s mission applies to everyone.

“That’s something that reachers across all socioeconomic levels … We all need as much help as we can get,” he said.

“He’ll be helping us look across race, class and cultural lines to make sure everybody’s voice is heard,” Zalkind said.

Henson is preceded by Dr. Haywood Parker of Truth Tabernacle Ministries, who Zalkind said will remain active with the organization.

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