Helping families from birth to third grade.

For over 30 years, Way to Grow has provided free, year-round family support and educational programming for families in Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs.

Through virtual and in-person home visits, our team of Family Educators build trusted relationships with parents and children, working language-to-language whenever possible to create a customized learning plan that celebrates the entire family.

Our Mission

Working closely with parents and communities, we ensure that children are born healthy, stay healthy, and are prepared for school.

Our Vision

Together we will ensure that every child has an equal opportunity to succeed in school and life.

  • Support that fits each family’s individual needs.

    From helping parents achieve their personal goals to modeling ways to learn at home, our highly trained team of Family Educators customize every home visit to meet the unique needs of each family.

    Family Educators work language-to-language with families to provide access to resources that address housing, employment, early education, health services, and more.

  • Partnering with families throughout pregnancy and beyond.

    Using our specialized curriculum, we provide education during all three trimesters of pregnancy, reviewing the stages of prenatal development so parents know what to expect and feel empowered in their journey.

    The support continues through birth and into childhood. During home visits, Family Educators model techniques for playing and learning, providing a space for parents to ask questions and receive personalized support. This individual support is crucial for new and experienced parents alike: when families better understand pregnancy, birth, and the ways a child will change their lives, they are providing their child with the strongest start possible!

  • Early education is a game changer.

    By starting early, we set children up for a lifetime of success. During home visits, Family Educators model techniques for playing and learning, providing parents with a trustworthy source of personalized information. We partner with families to teach them about how to support growth at home.

    Family Educators walk parents through preschool and kindergarten enrollment, from child screenings to school selection! We work to ensure that families feel empowered to make the best choices for their children.

  • Building a network of support for each child.

    Family Educators connect parents with teachers and administrators to build a network of support for each child. At home, we help families set up schedules and set expectations, making sure students have what they need to learn and grow. We also provide academic support for children in all areas of schooling: including literacy and STEM!

    It can be difficult to navigate questions, complicated systems, and major changes at home. Our elementary program works with families with children ages 5–8 to help guide them through this new stage of family life!

  • Creating a safe and healthy environment for every family.

    Through our Growing Strong program, we work with families in the home, teaching parents about the importance of holistic health and child safety.

    Our curriculum is deeply personalized and fine-tuned for each unique family situation. Family Educators act as guides, teaching essentials for family wellness, including prenatal care, nutrition, safe sleep practices, home safety checks, and building healthy habits.

    Healthcare can be daunting, and we’re here to help families navigate the healthcare system: from immunizations to booking well-child checkups, our goal is to ensure all children are healthy and prepared to learn! We partner with numerous community organizations to find close, affordable healthcare.

  • Way to Grow operates a high-quality, center-based preschool.

    Our preschool uses programming that is centered around the unique interests of the preschool class! Our staff uses developmentally appropriate and evidence-based practices to engage students and develop key learning skills.

    Parental involvement is a vital part of our preschool programming, and we aim to foster a positive relationship between family and school! Unique from other early learning programs, our preschool offers monthly parent-child classes and field trips.

    The families of all children enrolled in Preschool Pals are also enrolled in our Great by Eight programming, and receive regular home visits by certified Way to Grow Family Educators.

Our Impact in 2023:

0

Resource Referrals

0

Home Visits

0

People Served

0

Resource Referrals

0

Home Visits

0

People Served

Way to Grow is always there

Like the rest of the world, in 2020 Way to Grow moved our services online to continue to reach families. Since then, we’ve made it an important part of our programming. Whether someone is ill in the household or scheduling is a challenge, our virtual visits allow Family Educators to connect with families more than ever before.

Even in the best of times, raising a child is hard work. Through uncertain moments, we’ve helped families overcome the challenges of language barriers, unemployment, lack of food, physical and mental health obstacles, and beyond.

When the need is greatest, Way to Grow is there.

    Your Name (required)

    Address

    City

    Zip

    Your Email (required)

    Phone

    Preferred contact method:

    EmailPhoneEither

    Available days:
    SunMonTuesWedsThursFriSat

    Time of day available:
    MorningAfternoonEvenings

    Services interested in:
    preschoolspecial projectsteen parentsadministrativeeventsother

    Opportunity interested in:

    Language(s) Spoken besides English:
    AmharicArabicHmongOromoSomaliSpanish

    Other languages spoken:

    Emergency contact (name, phone, relationship):

    Volunteer agreement (required):

    I understand that during the course of my volunteering at Way to Grow, I may come in contact with information that is deemed confidential. This includes, but is not limited to, personal information about Way to Grow participants. I understand that Way to Grow is required by law to keep this information confidential, and I will treat all information I come across as such unless I am told otherwise.

    I understand and agree that I am volunteering for Way to Grow at my own risk and request. I also give permission for the free use of my name, picture and voice in any broadcast, telecast, print account or any other account in any medium of the event being recorded.

    I Accept

    Additional Message: