Investing Time and Energy
Barry Lee always thought his calling was to be a teacher, but life has a way of working in surprising ways. It wasn’t until after a successful 40-year career in the private sector that he finally found himself sitting in a tiny chair, surrounded by children in a classroom. For the past 10 years since […]
Creating Lasting Bonds
On his first day of preschool, Daniel could barely speak a word. A nervous child and unsure of his surroundings, Daniel didn’t play or interact with any of the other children. His only method of communication was guiding his teacher to what he needed, and often he would burst with frustration. “Imagine being in a […]
Thank you, Shine Supporters!
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 […]
People to Look Up To
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 […]
Immigration, Loss, & Trauma
by Lori A. Harris, LSW, MSW in partnership with Way to Grow and Mom Enough Perhaps your family immigration experience was a relatively easy journey, one supported by ample resources and an established, welcoming community. Life in your family’s country of origin may have presented minor challenges or you have immigrated for opportunity, education, or […]
Inspiring Opportunity and Building Legacy
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 […]
Building Confidence
“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. […]
Empowerment, Independence
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 […]
Access to Resources, Connection to Culture
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 […]
Education as a Foundation
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 […]