Thank you Barbara [Mason]. Good afternoon everyone. It's an honor to be here today, as the Governor unveils an exciting new initiative for Virginia's children and families.

It is such a perfect fit for us to work together with Governor Warner and his staff as the lead sponsor of the New Parent Kits. Helping children get the start they need in life, and working with our partners to build strong, resilient families is at the heart of the Freddie Mac Foundation. This partnership shows how government and the private sector can work together to create solutions for our children. Through these kits, we will provide new parents across our commonwealth with the tools they need to raise happy, healthy children.

We're indeed delighted to take part in this vital and comprehensive initiative known as Education for a Lifetime. We know that through this initiative, more children will get a start on a healthy journey toward a life filled with potential.

I'd like to thank the Governor and the First Lady Lisa Collis for making the Education for a Lifetime Initiative a reality. It is clear that the well being of children and their families is truly a top priority for Governor Warner, his staff, and our First Lady.

It's always a delight to see our friend Barbara Mason, Executive Director of the Child and Family Network Centers. This organization has been a grantee since the Foundation's inception. And it's wonderful to watch the Child and Family Network Centers grow and help even more children thrive.

You might ask why a corporate foundation supports a program like this. Our mission is to help children and families who are vulnerable to poor outcomes. Over the past 12 years, we have invested over $117 million in nonprofits and community programs that help these children and families succeed.

And we know that not only prevention, but intervention, one of the hallmarks of our work, is so important. As the Governor's website says, "every dollar invested in early childhood development programs saves seven dollars in remedial education, welfare and incarceration."

We're also pleased that another of the programs we support, Healthy Families America, will distribute the New Parent Kits to families throughout their 37 Virginia sites. Some of those families have joined us today. And we welcome you.

It is now my honor and pleasure this afternoon to introduce Maurice Jones, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services. The Commissioner is a dynamic man of many talents, who wears many hats, I understand. He's also the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Warner and the newly appointed Chair of the Governor's Urban Policy Task Force.

Commissioner Jones leads the Commonwealth's efforts to ensure the health and welfare of Virginia's children and families. Commissioner, your commitment and vision are making a tremendous difference for our children. And it's truly been a pleasure for us to work with you on this initiative.

Commissioner Jones....