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Ann Benfield – Cabarrus County’s Champion for Young Children

By Cindy Stone and Avalin Inman

One of the many things that makes Cabarrus County great is the caring and commitment of our people. It’s the dedication of individuals like Ann Benfield, who tirelessly advocate for the youngest members of our community.

As the Executive Director of the Cabarrus County Partnership for Children, Ann has devoted nearly 16 years to advancing the organization’s mission of connecting purpose, people, and programs to improve child well-being. Under her leadership, the Partnership has grown into a vital resource for the community, collaborating with local educators, healthcare providers, government agencies, and nonprofits to ensure children get the best possible start in life.

Preparing Children for Success in Kindergarten and Beyond

The early years of a child’s life are crucial. Children who are healthy and prepared when they enter kindergarten perform better in school, have higher graduation rates, and are more likely to succeed in the workforce. Ann’s dedication to early childhood development is grounded in an understanding of how these formative years affect a child’s whole life.

One of the Cabarrus Partnership for Children’s central missions under Ann’s leadership has been to ensure children are school-ready, a key factor in long-term success. Research has shown that quality early childhood education is directly linked to increased graduation rates, which ultimately strengthens workforce readiness. In fact, according to a report published by the National Education Association in 2021, children who take part in an early childhood education program are more likely to be successful as teenagers and adults. Children who receive early childhood education are 25% more likely to graduate high school and four times more likely to complete a bachelor’s degree. They are also less likely to face academic problems, including repeating grades. Once these children do graduate, they tend to earn more in the workforce.

Ann has worked to address this vital need by focusing on preparing children not only for kindergarten but for a lifetime of achievement and contribution to the community through the funding and implementation of evidence-based and evidence-informed early education programs in Cabarrus County.

Ann’s leadership at the Cabarrus Partnership for Children has significantly impacted early childhood education in the community. Under her guidance, the organization has worked tirelessly to ensure young children in our community have access to high-quality learning environments. Through state-funded Pre-K programs and early literacy initiatives, the Partnership has helped improve early literacy rates and school readiness for countless children.

“Ann has a deep understanding of the importance of early education,” Patricia Sehorn, Pre-K Program Manager at the Cabarrus Partnership for Children, explains. “She’s not only focused on the immediate needs but also on building a foundation that will benefit children throughout their lives. Her strategic vision has changed the landscape of early childhood education in Cabarrus County.”

Collaboration as a Path to a Stronger Community

Ann’s impact goes far beyond her professional role. She has become a symbol of what makes Cabarrus County great—a community that values cooperation, innovation, and collective action. The partnerships she has fostered are a testament to what can be accomplished when people unite behind a shared purpose. Whether it’s improving healthcare access, creating pathways to stable housing, or ensuring that children have the best possible start in life, Ann’s work exemplifies the power of collaboration.

From her earliest days at the Cabarrus Partnership for Children, Ann understood that no single organization could solve the complex issues affecting families and young children. Guided by this belief, she has been a tireless advocate for partnership, bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders—healthcare providers, childcare centers, local and state governments, and nonprofits. Under her leadership, the Cabarrus Partnership for Children has become a central hub for collaboration, connecting resources, expertise, and services to improve the lives of children in our community.

Cabarrus County has thrived under this collaborative model, becoming a leader in community-driven solutions that address the root causes of challenges rather than just the symptoms. Ann’s approach to partnership has been central to this success, proving that true progress is possible when organizations come together to share resources, expertise, and a common vision.

Lauren Westin, Program Manager at the Cabarrus Partnership for Children, describes Ann’s impact: “Ann sees the whole picture and understands that the investments we make in young children today will shape the future of our community. Every initiative and collaboration she leads is tied to a larger purpose—strengthening the community by supporting its youngest members and their families.”

One of the Partnership’s greatest successes under Ann’s leadership is her collaboration with Dr. Russell Suda to establish The SUN (Substance Use Network) Project, an initiative supporting pregnant mothers with substance use disorders. Designed to help these mothers stay in recovery and provide healthy environments for their children, The SUN Project exemplifies the Partnership’s mission by connecting purpose, people, and services in a meaningful way.

Through collaborations with healthcare providers, social services, and law enforcement, The SUN Project has not only supported individual mothers but has also created a model of care that other counties are now adopting. Its success underscores the importance of a connected, community-based approach to tackling complex social issues, demonstrating how purpose-driven collaboration can impact entire families.

A True Advocate for Children and Families

The community has long recognized Ann as a champion for children, and those who work alongside her see the impact of her passion every day. Lauren Westin reflects, “Ann’s dedication goes beyond her professional role—she genuinely cares about the families we serve. Her leadership has fostered a culture of compassion and collaboration that motivates all of us to do our best.”

Spencer Swain, Executive Director of Families First in Cabarrus County echoes this sentiment: “Ann doesn’t just talk about the importance of collaboration—she lives it. Her commitment to working together with others is what makes her such a powerful advocate for our community’s children. She is a leader who truly puts people first.”

As Ann continues to lead the Cabarrus Partnership for Children, her vision for supporting our youngest residents and their families remains at the heart of her work. Whether it’s expanding support for early education, addressing social determinants of health, or creating new partnerships to tackle emerging challenges, Ann’s dedication to children’s well-being is unwavering.

“We can accomplish so much when we work together for the same common goal,” Ann often says, and her work has proven this time and time again. In Cabarrus County, Ann Benfield has become synonymous with the spirit of partnership, making the community stronger and more connected.

What Makes Cabarrus County Great?

The answer lies in leaders like Ann Benfield, whose dedication to collaboration and commitment to children’s success has inspired a network of support throughout the county. Her work has not only transformed early childhood education but has also created a legacy of partnership that will continue to benefit generations to come.

Cabarrus County thrives because of people like Ann, who know that by working together, we can create a community where every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Ann Benfield’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that one person can have when they dedicate themselves to a cause. Her commitment to children, families, and collaboration has made her a true champion in Cabarrus County—a place where the spirit of cooperation continues to make a difference every day.

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