Richardson, an Aulander resident for 30-odd years, went to check on this outsider. He watched Early with the youngsters in her summer camp program. He stayed for lunch. He listened to her talk of partnership with the school, of starting young to help children. Sometimes children come to the pristine white parsonage needing showers or clean clothes.
Some children show up hungry, often having missed more than one meal that day.
They get fed. Early seems to be everywhere, kneeling to hug a child, listening to a confidence, gently but very firmly demanding discipline, kindness, love and faith. Most of the young children are struggling in school. There are children with emotional and developmental problems, some stemming from a mother's drug use during pregnancy. They learn sharing, respect, responsibility and the Bible.