For more than five decades, Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend has been a steady source of support for young children and families throughout the Big Bend region. What began as a response to a simple but urgent question, “Where is there childcare I can count on?” has grown into a trusted early childhood organization that serves families in Leon, Jefferson and Madison counties. Kids Incorporated is a community-based organization providing reliable and affordable comprehensive family services for at-risk families with children ages 0-5. The organization supports and educates families with young children through quality early learning so that they can reach their full potential.
From the beginning, Kids Incorporated has been guided by the belief that every child deserves a strong start and every parent deserves support during the earliest years of a child’s life. As the organization marks 54 years of service, its history reflects a lasting legacy of advocacy, leadership and family-centered care that continues to shape its mission today.
Elizabeth “Budd” Bell and the Beginning of Kids Incorporated
Elizabeth “Budd” Bell spent much of her career listening to families who were trying to build stability while facing barriers they could not solve alone. One concern came up more than any other: Parents needed childcare they could trust, and in many communities, that simply did not exist. Bell believed that if no dependable option was available, one had to be created.
In 1972, she founded Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend with that purpose in mind. Bell established one of the first coordinated childcare efforts in Florida and helped advance legislation that supported early learning programs across the state. Colleagues often described her as someone who could walk into the Governor’s Office one day and spend the next day raising funds in community hallways. She was known for her persistence and her willingness to speak up for families who did not always have a voice.
Bell’s approach was grounded in respect for families and a belief that early childhood programs should strengthen the home, not replace it. She often reminded others to look at the family, not just the child, and emphasized that public and private resources carried a responsibility to be used with care. Her guiding belief, one still echoed throughout the organization, was simple: Parents are a child’s first and most important teacher.
Her vision shaped the early identity of Kids Incorporated and became the foundation for the work that would follow for more than five decades.
Pam Davis Joins Kids Incorporated
By the early 1990s, Kids Incorporated was growing, and Bell’s vision was firmly in place. At the same time, Pam Davis was working with the state as a contract manager, collaborating closely with Bell during a period when early learning funding was tight and programs across the region were being consolidated. With a background as an elementary school teacher, Davis shared Bell’s belief in the importance of early childhood education and the need to support families alongside their children.
In the spring of 1992, Davis joined Kids Incorporated as executive director. She described the role as one that allowed her to stop making policy and start living it, working directly with families and programs on the ground. Although Bell remained active on the board, Davis gradually stepped into day-to-day leadership, guided by the values Bell had established.
Expanding Services and Deepening Community Impact
As Davis settled into her leadership role, she began shaping programs that reflected both the mission of Kids Incorporated and the everyday needs of the families it served. Her focus remained consistent with the organization’s foundation, strengthening family support, expanding access to early learning and continuing the belief that helping children starts with helping the whole family.
Over time, Kids Incorporated introduced and expanded programs that brought services beyond the classroom and into the community.
Key programs developed during Davis’ tenure included:
- The Resource Van, which traveled directly to families’ homes and neighborhoods, giving children access to books, games and learning materials.
- KidsFest, a long-standing community event that brought families together for hands-on activities, learning opportunities and connections to local resources in a welcoming environment.
- Holiday Happiness, a seasonal program designed to support families during the holidays by easing stress and helping parents provide meaningful experiences for their children.
Central to this work was Davis’ emphasis on consistent and individualized family support. Under her leadership, Kids Incorporated placed a family advocate at each center to work alongside parents from the time of enrollment until a child transitioned out of the program at age 3. These advocates helped families navigate challenges, connect with community resources and feel supported throughout their time with Kids Incorporated.
30 Years of Service and a New Leader
After three decades of leadership, Davis retired knowing that Kids Incorporated was well-positioned for the future. During her 30 years as executive director, she helped guide the organization through growth, change and new opportunities while remaining grounded in the values established by Bell. Just as important, she focused on building a strong leadership team that could carry the mission forward.
One of the leaders Davis mentored during her tenure was LaFonda Heidel, who would become her successor in 2022. Heidel was originally hired by Davis and quickly stood out for her dedication to families and her ability to connect with parents in meaningful ways.
Reflecting on the transition, Davis spoke with pride about watching Heidel grow within the organization. “LaFonda is like a daughter to me.” She said. “She was always the best at helping the parents through any questions or concerns. She kept doing more, learning more — there wasn’t anything she couldn’t do. She’s the perfect person to lead Kids Incorporated!” The transition marked not only a change in leadership but a continuation of the organization’s long-standing values.
54 Years of Kids Incorporated
As Kids Incorporated marks 54 years of service, the organization reflects on more than five decades of dedication to children and families across the region. What began as one woman’s response to a community need has grown into a comprehensive early childhood organization rooted in trust, advocacy and family partnership.
Throughout its history, Kids Incorporated has remained focused on supporting children during the earliest and most critical stages of development while also strengthening the families who care for them. The organization’s programs continue to reflect that mission by offering services that address education, family stability and long-term success.
Today, Kids Incorporated provides support through programs that include:
- Early Head Start services for infants and toddlers
- A childhood care management program that connects families to resources and guidance
- Three and Pre programs that help children ages 3 to 5 prepare for future learning environments
At the heart of each program is the belief that children thrive when families are supported. Teachers, family advocates and staff work alongside parents to create environments where children feel safe, valued and ready to learn.
As the organization celebrates this milestone, it also recognizes the families, staff and community partners who have made the journey possible. Their shared commitment has helped Kids Incorporated remain a trusted resource for generations of children and caregivers.
How Kids Incorporated Supports the Community
Today, Kids Incorporated continues to support children and families during the earliest and most formative years of life. Through early learning programs, family advocacy and community-based services, the organization works alongside parents to build strong foundations for their children’s future. Families who are expecting a child or caring for infants and toddlers can find guidance, resources and support through Kids Incorporated’s programs. To learn more about available services or how to get involved, visit Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend online and explore how the organization can help support your family’s journey.
