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Ken Story

Thank you, Shine Supporters!

Thank you, Shine Supporters! 1251 834 Ken Story

This past Saturday night, something magical happened.

Our supporters, sponsors, table hosts, staff, and board of directors all helped make our 2018 Shine Celebration such a memorable experience.  Whether it was singing, testimonies, or our new Way to Grow videos we debuted – it all came together in the name of early education and the power of change it has in our community.

Thanks to our generous sponsors and supporters, we were able to raise over $425,000 at this year’s Shine Celebration!

We are inspired and so grateful for all the love and support for our mission that ensures that the most vulnerable populations in our community will see no barrier to early education.

As we look to the future where so many will be touched by this level of support, we want to take another second in this moment and say thank you again to all that got us here:   We could not have done it without you.

October 26, 2019

Save the date for our 2019 Shine Celebration and join us to mark our 30-year history of ensuring all children are born healthy, stay healthy, and are prepared for school . . . and life!

People to Look Up To

People to Look Up To 2560 1708 Ken Story

Many a day for the past nine years, a little white bus has rumbled through the streets of Minneapolis carrying precious cargo to and from preschool. Billowing with energy and enthusiasm, the man behind the wheel is more than a bus driver—he is a caretaker, a friend, and a role model to each and every child that boards his bus.

Described as “humble” by his colleagues and “fun and interesting” by the children, Mr. Willie’s unique and special flare makes him a very special and incredibly important part of the Way to Grow team. Transportation is a hardship for many of our families, and Mr. Willie works four days a week to help eliminate that barrier, always with a smile and wave, a story, and laughter.

Often the first and last Way to Grow employee our preschool students see, Mr. Willie makes it a point to be not just a driver, but an integral part of their lives every day. “My first priorities are the safety of the kids and making sure they get to school on time, but in that hour that I have those kids, I take advantage of any opportunity to engage with them. Engagement is education in and of itself, and that is important,” Mr. Willie shares. “We bond because I listen to them. Sometimes they have problems, sometimes they have concerns, and sometimes they just want someone to talk to.”

When asked about his favorite part of the job, Mr. Willie easily replies that it is the children who fill those seats. “Each child is different, and they are so intelligent and energetic. When I look at our bus, I see that we have the makings of future lawyers, doctors, politicians—almost every type of position that will contribute to our community in the future,” he expresses.

While most people dread the beginning of the work week, Mr. Willie is the exact opposite. “I can’t wait until Monday. I love my job.”

Inspiring Opportunity and Building Legacy

Inspiring Opportunity and Building Legacy 2560 1700 Ken Story

Always driven and confident in her abilities, Mina graduated high school in 2010, ready to continue her schooling. However, a year later she found it difficult to balance her new motherhood with her education, so she put school on hold to raise her young son, Itachi.

Early on, Mina discovered that Itachi was struggling with education fundamentals and lacked social skills. In 2013, her sister first mentioned Way to Grow, but Mina was skeptical. “I thought I didn’t need help and that this meant I was doing something wrong as a mother,” she explains.

After suffering the tragic loss of her second child shortly after birth, Mina enrolled in Way to Grow and gained the support of a Family Educator. “I learned that sometimes as a parent you don’t know it all, and Way to Grow is there to help further your skills to improve your child’s life,” she recalls. Itachi entered Way to Grow’s Preschool P.A.L.S. the following year and flourished in his new learning environment, surpassing Mina’s expectations.

Way to Grow was an asset to Mina and her family, but it also taught her that as a parent she had to advocate for her child and be active in their education. For example, she saw a change in her interactions during parent-teacher conferences. “At first I was uncomfortable. It’s easy to just show up, get the report, and leave,” Mina explains. “I learned how ‘what to ask’ translates into ‘what more I can do for my child.’ It really put emphasis on the value of being proactive in my child’s education.”

Continuing that proactive momentum, Mina decided to become one of Way to Grow’s strongest parent champions by attending multiple events and hearings at the State Capitol, as well as speaking on behalf of Way to Grow’s families at the annual Children’s Day at the Capitol. “It is always about coming from a place of ‘yes’ when it comes to being proactive in early education. There is always something to do,” Mina shares.

Inspired by the growth and development of her son, Mina decided to return to school, and in 2017 she completed the community health worker program at Summit OIC and became a certified nursing assistant. Mina has since joined Way to Grow’s staff as a new Family Educator. Congratulations, Mina!

Building Confidence

Building Confidence 1449 948 Ken Story

“I couldn’t sit and do nothing,” explains Deborah as her daughter Patty plays around her. Patty, a rambunctious eight year-old, was born with a genetic abnormality that affects her ability to communicate and concentrate. “She struggles with learning, but she has such a high level of empathy,” says Collette, their Way to Grow Family Educator.

Deborah herself struggled in school and was a victim of bullying as a child. Looking back, she realizes this deeply affected her confidence. As a mother, she was adamant about creating a better life for her daughter and knew she needed resources to help make that happen, especially considering Patty’s specific needs. Determined to support her daughter in every possible way, Deborah tirelessly researched and contacted resources to help Patty progress and grow. In early 2015, a referral from Healthy Families brought Deborah and Patty to Way to Grow.

Fast forward to today, and Collette says Patty has made significant progress in her reading. What’s more, together she and Deborah have continued to build Patty’s social skills while connecting her with environments and mentors that are helping her thrive. Reflecting on her time with Way to Grow, Deborah also recognizes that Patty was not the only one growing these past few years. By attending education and advocacy events, Deborah has expanded her own social skills, increased her confidence, and has become one of Way to Grow’s most active parent champions. “Collette and Way to Grow have been a godsend to our lives. I cannot wait to see what our future holds!”

Empowerment, Independence

Empowerment, Independence 1449 948 Ken Story

With a desire for a better life, Siham* moved her family to America. But life didn’t get better, it got worse, at least at first.

Siham became aware of the developmental difficulties of her three-year-old identical twin daughters, Aliyah and Samiirah, when she brought them to their yearly checkup. The doctor noticed that the girls were not only delayed, but that they communicated through emotion and a language of utterances between them that didn’t resemble English, Spanish, or Arabic. No one could understand them. Between the language barrier and increasing instances of fits and tantrums, Siham knew she had to take action.

She was referred to a speech pathologist and searched for resources to help her work with her daughters, but met with many challenges. Unfortunately, her own husband discouraged and demeaned her, and created barriers for the family to receive services. “During a home visit,” Siham recalls, “my husband texted me from the other room, telling me to kick out the home visitors.” He deliberately worked to isolate them from the community. “He kept us pent up in the apartment most of the time, and I felt alone and hopeless,” Siham shares, as other agencies dropped them because of the immense obstacles in the way.

Everything changed with a referral to Way to Grow in 2015 when she began working with Family Educator Collette. “The first time we met,” remembers Collette, “I could feel her hopelessness and emptiness. But I could also feel her strength, potential, and love for her daughters.”

Their strong bond transcended education. “Collette was the first person to make me feel comfortable here, and I knew she cared about us,” reflects Siham. “She gave me hope and kept reminding me of my strength.” Collette visited regularly, bringing diapers and food, even though Siham’s husband became angry and threatened to call the police if Collette returned.

Finally, after several instances of physical abuse, Siham gained the courage to leave her husband and seek independence, a better life, and a brighter future for her daughters. “Collette and Way to Grow helped empower me to realize my strength, ask for help, and leave.”

Today, Siham is an American citizen, and she and her daughters are living in transitional housing. Aliyah and Samiirah, now six, are thriving in school, have many friends, and love the creative arts. Siham seeks permanent housing, a stable job, and a return to school once settled. “I want an education and a good job so I can provide for them, and then give back because Way to Grow has given me so much,” she shares. “My mom told me once, ‘It is not enough to receive help, but to give it too.’” She dreams of a beautiful home and her daughters coming home from school with awards.

Siham admits they still have a long way to go to reach their goals, but success and change is no accident. It is the culmination of hard work, perseverance, community, and a burning spirit to become and create something more.

*Names have been changed

Access to Resources, Connection to Culture

Access to Resources, Connection to Culture 2560 1700 Ken Story

Shared culture creates a bond that transcends everyday interactions, as culture resides in the heart and soul. This kind of deep connection can be found between Sydney and her family, and their Family Educator, Alison. Native American tradition and identity have always been important to Sydney and her husband. In fact, it’s what brought them to Minneapolis­—they wanted to learn the Dakota language and traditions so they could immerse their future children in their own culture.

After giving birth to her first child, Sydney pursued a degree in psychology. However, after having her second child a year later, she began to feel the pressure of all her responsibilities. “I would be given the choice to interact with my children or do my homework. Sometimes I would even have to work my part-time job, so some nights I would be doing homework until 2 a.m., and then I would have to wake up early in the morning and do it all over again with a smile. It wasn’t working well,” Sydney recalls. She credits a strong support system that included her Family Educator, Alison, and her husband as essential to getting through that tough time. Since then, the three have continued to work together to ensure the couple’s now four children have access to opportunities.

“If I need something, have a question, or want some advice, I pick up my phone and give Alison a call, and she always has an answer for me,” Sydney explains. Yet Alison is more than just another resource for the family—she truly understands Sydney and the goals she has for her family. “Having Alison, having a native person as my Family Educator, has positively contributed to my experience at Way to Grow. There is something about sharing a culture; she just understands where I am coming from and what I am going through,” Sydney expresses. “She makes it easy and comfortable.”

Knowing that other cultures and community opportunities are abundant in Minneapolis, it was important for Sydney to have her family experience as many as possible, something Alison and Way to Grow have helped them to do. “Alison and Way to Grow give us access to resources, opportunities, and events that we never would have been able to experience otherwise. They have been able to show us what community really is, and we are so grateful.”

Education as a Foundation

Education as a Foundation 1800 1200 Ken Story

Regina, Ju’vane, and their six children have been a part of Way to Grow for more than a decade due to a promise Ju’Vane made his mother. “In 2007, before my mom passed away, I promised her that I would change my life for the better. I moved to Minneapolis and joined the FATHER Project when my daughter was two years old,” explains Ju’Vane. It was at one of the FATHER Project’s classes that Ju’Vane was encouraged to pursue a referral to Way to Grow.

The Carpenter’s first Family Educator, Tonia, made such an initial impact on the family. “When Tonia came to our house, the original purpose was to work with Jayda, but the other children became so curious that they would sit and listen to what was going on as well,” Ju’vane recalls. Over time, the family’s relationship evolved into a lifetime bond keeping them close to Tonia. “I built such a strong relationship with Tonia over the years,” says Regina. “While Tonia has retired and we now work with Carmen, we still keep in touch. Two of my children even play sports with her grandchildren.”

With six children at home, Regina and Ju’Vane clearly have a busy life, but they have made education a family priority by making time to read together and spending lots of time outdoors away from screens. “We’ve been empowered and have learned so much from working with Tonia and Carmen. From working with us in our home and even attending school conferences with us, they’ve been by our side every step of the way and helped us become better parents,” Regina explains.

Through the support of Way to Grow, the Carpenters have laid an educational foundation for all their children, prioritizing family time and learning together. In fact, despite being so busy, they have become one of Way to Grow’s most active families. Beyond regular home visits, three of their children have attended Preschool Pals, they have taken Cooking Matters courses, participate weekly in Play to Grow at Lucy Laney, and attend every Family Engagement Night and special event they can.

Education is such a powerful tool. It brings families together and sets a precedent for bigger and brighter futures—and the Carpenters truly reflect that.

A Snapshot of our Preschools this Year

A Snapshot of our Preschools this Year 2560 1707 Ken Story

From a pajama- piñata party to food bazaars, from balloon parties to buildings, our preschoolers have expanded their minds and horizons all while exploring their imaginations. While these moments are now memories, and some of these children are graduates, we wanted to take a trip down memory lane and share with you a few wonderful moments from our two preschools this past school year.


Music with Ms. Nora from MacPhail (North Preschool)

Making up a session that was missed because of weather, Ms. Nora came in with a purpose. Our teachers had informed her that the class was going to the zoo later in the week, so she came prepared with songs about animals and going to the zoo. The children played with different animal toys that she brought, sang different animal songs, and moved around the classroom pretending to be animals. To round out their last session with her for the school year, they played with sand blocks, drums, and maracas.

Music is an important and wonderful part of education and we are so grateful for Ms. Nora and our friends at MacPhail Center for Music!


Advocacy Day at the Minnesota State Capitol

Turning momentum into action, our preschool children accompanied their parents and Way to Grow staff to the Minnesota State Capitol to rally for early education. After boarding the bus and singing songs, a flood of yellow Way to Grow t-shirts entered the rotunda, where parents heard from education professionals and advocates while the children got to sing songs and were read to by legislators. Way to Grow Parent Champion Mina Thao even took the stage to share her story on how access to early education programs like Way to Grow have positively impacted her and her children’s lives.

“Witnessing their parents being active on any front leaves a positive impression on a child,” said Way to Grow Program Director Megan McLaughlin. “It was a great opportunity for the families to learn and experience the State Capitol in very different ways.”

Our families were then taken downstairs, where they were able to enjoy a snack, do some activities, and experience one-on-one time with legislators. We knew it was a long day because on the bus ride back to the preschools, a few of the children fell asleep. Who knew advocacy could be so tiring!


“Building” a Foundation of Learning (South Preschool)

It is always amazing to see the learning epiphany in children when they discover that just about everything they learn can be a career. For example, something as simple as building blocks can lead into a conversation about buildings and structures.

The South Preschool classroom was transformed into a cardboard workshop with boxes and supplies, and our children went from curious to becoming hands-on engineers! They were able to focus their skills individually and also cooperatively working with others to create some incredible structures.

This is a great reminder to always look for opportunities to learn in places you wouldn’t expect them and take action on them!


THE Trip to the Como Zoo

Even though the first zoo in the world was established in 1500 B.C. in Egypt, zoos remain wildly popular in the world and a driving force behind that are children’s interest, curiosity, and love for animals. Our Way to Grow children are no different, and after weeks of learning, singing, and pretending to be animals, there was no better way to finish the school year than a trip to the Como Zoo. We also invited their parents because you are never too old to go to the zoo!

Even though some parts of the zoo were under construction, the children were able to see all the animals they wanted to see on a list they made prior to their visit. From reptiles to mammals, the children got to experience and learn about the animal kingdom first hand. They also got to snack on animal crackers, which was intentionally planned by the teachers.

A huge thank you to our friends at the Como Zoo for hosting our families – and for everything they do for the Twin Cities community!


Sharing and reflecting on all these wonderful memories already has us looking forward to the next school year, we cannot wait to share with you what is to come!

Celebrating our Graduates!

Celebrating our Graduates! 960 640 Ken Story

It was a day full of pride and joy on July 15th as Way to Grow held our 2018 Early Learning and Third Grade Graduation at Urban Ventures in South Minneapolis.

30 staff members, 12 community volunteers, and hundreds of family members celebrated our graduates through a late-afternoon program that involved an activity and social hour, the graduation ceremony itself, and refreshments to close out the day. In all, we had 98 Early Learner Graduates and 57 Great by Eight (3rd Grade Graduates).

At Way to Grow, we often hear that “It takes a village,” so we would like to take this opportunity to thank ours. Thank you to all the Way to Grow parents and guardians for your work and commitment to your child’s education.  To our Way to Grow Family Educators and staff, thank you for all your hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication.  Finally, thank you to all our volunteers, the Way to Grow Board of Directors, and our funders for your continued support.  Finally, a special thank you to Books to Grow and Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club for providing books to our graduates.

You can find photos from the graduation event by following the links below:

2018 Graduation

2018 Graduation – Family Photo Booth 

2018 Graduation – Graduate Photo Booth

Parents as Teachers

Way to Grow Joins Parents as Teachers (PaT) Network

Way to Grow Joins Parents as Teachers (PaT) Network 2560 1941 Ken Story

Always striving to improve our services and the Minneapolis community, Way to Grow’s Family Educators have participated in a week-long training, and we have now become a part of the Parents as Teachers (PaT) network as an affiliate.

PaT promotes optimal early development, learning, and health of young children by engaging and supporting their parents and caregivers through an evidence-based education model rather than an evidence-informed education model.  With PaT, Way to Grow will be following a home visiting curriculum where actual research has been conducted on the specific topics within the curriculum.

Founded in 1984, the PaT network serves more than 195,000 children in all 50 U.S. states, over 100 Tribal organizations, five other countries, and one U.S. territory. PaT has four primary goals:

  • Increase parent knowledge of early childhood development and improve parent practices
  • Provide early detection of developmental delays and health issues
  • Prevent child abuse and neglect
  • Increase children’s school readiness and success.

This model has been rigorously tested by peer-reviewed studies and shown to produce results. More than a dozen outcome studies have been done on the effects of the PaT model. The evaluations have been verified and supported by various states, school districts, universities, research organizations, and private foundations. Evaluation results show:

  • Children’s developmental delays and health problems are detected early
  • Children enter kindergarten ready to learn and the achievement gap is narrowed
  • Children achieve school success into the elementary grades
  • Parents improve their parenting knowledge and skills
  • Parents are more involved in their children’s schooling
  • Families are more likely to promote children’s language and literacy.

As a first step, our Family Educators are currently training on a home visiting curriculum focused on the prenatal stage to age three. Later this year, they will attend an additional training that will extend the curriculum to age 5, adding in academically driven session that go along with Way to Grow’s readiness numbers.

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