Deborah & Patty 600 600 Maren Nelson

Deborah & Patty

Our unique home visit model allows us to work directly with our community’s most isolated children and their families. Over time we see changes not only in children but also in their parents, with greater parent engagement and self-sufficiency. Through education, we tackle the impact of poverty and help families move forward with lasting results. As families grow,…

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Living Generously: Counting our blessings 2560 1707 Kim Bowman

Living Generously: Counting our blessings

As we approach Thanksgiving, please know that Way to Grow is counting its blessings and is extremely thankful for the great support we have received this year. Despite the challenges that 2020 has presented to all of us, Way to Grow continues to serve children and families because we have the support of individuals, foundations, and…

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Way to Grow in the News 1080 400 Way to Grow

Way to Grow in the News

School enrollment has felt the impact of the current pandemic. Way to Grow was recently in the news as part of a larger discussion on school enrollment and the drastic choices families face. In a Star Tribune article from October 19, our CEO Carolyn Smallwood outlines the challenges families face: “Pandemic pushes down Minnesota kindergarten enrollment.”…

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Our newest Family Educator! 2500 1459 Angelique McDonald

Our newest Family Educator!

Tell us a little bit about you! I am a wife of 24 years to an awesome husband. I have three grown and wonderful children, ages 30, 25, and 22 years old. I am also a proud grandmother to two adorable grandchildren, ages 8 and 2 years old. What brings you to Way to Grow?…

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Make your Target run count…again! 1200 630 Melissa Meyer

Make your Target run count…again!

We are honored and excited to announce that we have been chosen to participate in a special charitable giving campaign, sponsored and funded by Target. And you have the chance to help direct a portion of Target’s donation to us! Now through December 31, vote for us through the Target Circle program to help determine…

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Thanks for shining with us! 2500 1309 Way to Grow

Thanks for shining with us!

On Friday, September 25 Way to Grow hosted its first virtual Gala – “Let’s Connect” Shine Celebration. Together, we raised over $305,000 to fund our Great by Eight program, stabilizing families and providing education to those who need it most. If you would still like to help us meet our goal, please consider a gift now.   A special shout out…

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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 Kim Bowman

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 Kim Bowman

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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