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Family Fun: Fall Leaves Hand Tree 3334 1459 Way to Grow

Family Fun: Fall Leaves Hand Tree

Believe it or not, it’s still fall! If you miss those beautiful colors, our Preschool Pals staff has a great activity for you to do with your family! You will need: paper, pencil, scissors, markers (or any coloring/painting tool), toilet paper/paper towel roll Step 1:Trace your hands with the pencil. The more hands you trace, the fuller your tree will be.…

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What a difference a toy makes. 3334 1459 Jessica Waller

What a difference a toy makes.

Way to Grow has been beyond blessed by the gracious giving of our friends at the Manhattan Toy Company in Minneapolis. Box after box of dolls, rattles, plushies, books, and blocks arrived in our offices. We could not be more grateful and our staff and their families could not have been more thrilled! To have a special…

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Celebrating Neighborhood Spirit 1440 2560 Jessica Waller

Celebrating Neighborhood Spirit

In 2019, Way to Grow moved into new offices better designed to meet its staffing needs, in the Harrison Neighborhood situated between Bryn Mawr and downtown Minneapolis. Staff soon discovered the Bryn Mawr Market, a family owned and run grocery store that is open 365 days a year.   “During a visit to Bryn Mawr Market,” says Kim…

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Family Fun: On the hunt! 1080 1920 Maren Nelson

Family Fun: On the hunt!

Run out of ideas for your kids this summer? Our preschool staff has you covered with a scavenger hunt bingo game! Supplies: Download and print off this bingo card and grab a marker. What to do: Go on a walk around your neighborhood or anywhere you could find these items. Look around carefully and encourage your child…

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Gifting Summer Fun 1224 1632 Maren Nelson

Gifting Summer Fun

Two of Way to Grow’s supporters, friends Deb and Mary, asked us what our families needed most. When we responded with educational games, books, children’s socks and underwear, and summer clothing, they truly stepped up. Thank you Deb and Mary for your generosity and for helping to ensure families can learn and grow together this summer.

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Children are falling behind: Here’s what we can do. 1200 600 Way to Grow

Children are falling behind: Here’s what we can do.

by Deedee Stevens-Neal, Director of Education The early part of 2020 became a great experiment in virtual learning. Experts predict children could have a four to eight month regression in academic skills, and the American Academy of Pediatrics is worried about the social and emotional effects of distance learning. There is further concern with children…

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Showing up for community: Thank You, Slalom! 640 480 Maren Nelson

Showing up for community: Thank You, Slalom!

Way to Grow was pleasantly surprised when Lauren and her team from Slalom reached out to offer feminine products for our families. “We were seeking additional ways to help the Minneapolis/St. Paul area during this time of need, and a fellow female co-worker and myself wanted to organize donations for feminine hygiene products. We know that…

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Dear Third Grade Graduate… 3334 1459 Way to Grow

Dear Third Grade Graduate…

Dear Third Grad Graduate, You did it! You graduated from Way to Grow! We are so proud of you. You have worked hard in school, even when school closed and class was on the computer. You worked hard to stay healthy, eat good food, and get exercise. You worked really hard to get better at…

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Thank You, Headwaters Relief Organization! 1024 768 Maren Nelson

Thank You, Headwaters Relief Organization!

When the pandemic arose, Headwaters Relief Organization went to work creating a science-informed coloring book to help parents explain to their children what the coronavirus is and why families were quarantining at home together, instead of going to work and school. Their intention was to distribute the coloring books to local charities to increase understanding of the…

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Meet our newest Family Educator! 2500 1459 Angelique McDonald

Meet our newest Family Educator!

Meet our newest Family Educator, Courtney! Tell us a little bit about you! I grew up in Inver Grove Heights, MN. I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work with a minor in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of North Dakota. This past January I decided to move back to the Twin Cities to…

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Living Generously: CARES Act 1562 561 Jessica Waller

Living Generously: CARES Act

If you are feeling the call to help others during challenging times, you are not alone.  In times of need, Minnesotans step up!   Fortunately, Congress is also encouraging our better angels. For 2020, Congress has enacted the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act) to help reduce the financial impact of the pandemic. Included is…

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Creating a Virtual Classroom 1200 600 Way to Grow

Creating a Virtual Classroom

By Deedee Stevens-Neal, Director of Education Spring is definitely here and Way to Grow is keeping busy! Read on for an invitation to join our virtual Education is Power event, see children learning and working hard in our new virtual world, learn how we created a virtual classroom, and to get important updates on 2020 giving.…

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