“When you recognize a need, and have a just, and righteous cause, you will not have to do it alone, because people will step up and meet you there.”
– Celia Jarrett
Leadership Circle – $700,000+ Clinical
Celia & Steve Jarrett
Visionary Partners – $100,000 +
Fred & Alice Stanback
Greg & Missie Alcorn
Growth Builders– $50,000 – $99,999
F&M Bank
Larry Cloniger
Strong Roots – $25,000 – $49,999
Majestic Oaks – $10,000 – $24,999
Jay Whittington
The Peeler Foundation
Gerry & Brenda Wood
Kate Ritchie
The Fisher Family
Karen Campbell – In Loving Memory of Barbara Perrell
Central Carolina Insurance
Carl and Susie Ritchie
Raymond and Kay Coltrain
MyGeek Technologies
The Johnson Family Foundation
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Carlton
Novant Health
Towering Pines – $5,000 – $9,999
Duke Energy Foundation
Strong Maples – $1,000 – $4,999
Civitan of Salisbury
Daimler Freightliner
Salisbury Kiwanis Charities
Rowan County Government
Ellis Cauble
Chris & Jenya Comfort
Diane and Luke Fisher
Dr. and Mrs. Willard Thompson
Rachel Bernheim
Ben and Eva White
Bill Wagoner
Tim and Trisha Proper
Timothy Keppel
The Best Investment in Our Children
Steve Fisher, chairman and CEO of F&M Bank, shares a message about becoming a part of the Partners in Learning Capital Campaign to support the children of our community.
Thank you to F&M Bank for being a Growth Builder partner and to all our partners for making this campaign a success. Join us in supporting the future of our children.
Project Timeline
Phase One -Construction Document Phase
October 2025 – December 2025
Finalize construction drawings, specifications, and documentation required for permitting and bidding.
Phase Two- Zoning And Agency Approvals
January 2026
Confirm City Zoning approval and submit documents to local agencies, including Rowan County Building Code Inspections.
Phase Three - Bidding And Contract Negotiations
February 2026
Solicit contractor bids, evaluate proposals, and finalize the construction contract.
Phase Four - Construction Phase
March 2026 – March 2027
Begin construction; manage progress, inspections, and milestones toward completion.
Phase Five - Completion and Move-In
March 2027
Construction complete; facility opening and occupancy.
Partners In Learning was established in Salisbury, North Carolina, in the spring of 1996 by a group of individuals, spearheaded by Dr. Shirley Ritchie, with a founding vision of creating a model inclusive center for early childhood education. This video reflects our original home at Catawba College, where Partners In Learning began and grew for many years before moving into our current location. The non-profit organization’s core mission was to provide care and education to all children, including those with special needs and from low-income families, promoting a high-quality learning environment and family support services.
After operating for many years, including locations on the Catawba College campus and Best Street, the organization received a significant gift of land from Brenda and Gerry Wood, leading to the construction of a new, expansive facility. This new facility, which opened in October 2023, consolidates and expands their comprehensive offerings, which include NC Pre-K, clinical services like developmental therapy and ABA therapy, and extensive community and family support programs, reinforcing its status as Rowan County’s only 5-star, nationally accredited childcare center.
