Event Recap

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Family Educator Miss Roxy shares a powerful Way to Grow family story about parental mental health.

Parental Mental Health Spotlighted at Education Is Power 2025
Parental Mental Health Spotlighted at Education Is Power 2025 1200 900 Ann Frances Gregg

Parental Mental Health Spotlighted at Education Is Power 2025

On May 14, Way to Grow hosted our annual Education Is Power luncheon at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The event gathered families, educators, and advocates around one urgent question: How can we better support parental mental health so that children can thrive?

This year’s theme, Empowered Parents Empower Children, sparked meaningful conversations. More than two hundred guests joined us to reflect on the pressures families face today and the solutions that help them grow stronger. From lived experience to policy leadership, each voice in the room contributed to a deeper understanding of what families truly need. The energy was hopeful, grounded, and driven by the shared belief that when parents are supported, children thrive.

Stories that Highlight Parental Mental Health Support

The event opened with a warm welcome from Board Vice Chair Dr. Julia Halberg. She then introduced Way to Grow’s new CEO, Coco Du, who shared her own experience as a first-generation college student, a parent, and a new leader. “I know firsthand how powerful it is to have people believe in you,” Coco said. “And how life-changing that support can be.”

Coco then introduced Associate Supervisor of Family Educators, Roxanne Bell-Afolabi, who shared a powerful story. She spoke about Kewana, a young mom working through trauma and early motherhood. Despite the challenges, Kewana stayed committed to her healing and to her children. Personal stories like this one show how Way to Grow’s consistent support and trust changes lives.

Family Educator Miss Roxy shares a powerful Way to Grow family story about mental health.

“Kewana once told me I helped her mental health just by being there,” Roxy said.
“That’s what this work is truly about – presence.”

Panelists Discuss Mental Health Solutions for Families

Next came a panel discussion with four leaders who work in mental health, education, and policy. Each person offered a unique view on how to support families.

  • Brandon Jones, Executive Director at the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health, reminded us that “Parental stress was declared a public health crisis by the former U.S. Surgeon General.”He encouraged early intervention and stronger access to care.
  • Alex Ang, youth advocate and host of a is for anxious, described how listening and storytelling can bridge generational gaps.
  • Ronel Robinson, Way to Grow’s Program Director, shared insights from decades of leading home visiting programs.
  • Commissioner Tikki Brown, head of Minnesota’s new Department of Children, Youth, and Families, outlined her vision to connect services and reduce barriers for families across the state.

Panelists agreed that stigma, isolation, and limited access still block many families from getting help. However, they also shared real solutions to improve parental mental health, including early childhood education, culturally responsive care, and strong community support.

Why Parental Mental Health Matters for Families

Way to Grow sees parental mental health as key to a child’s success. Families can only thrive when parents feel strong, seen, and supported. That’s why we focus on the whole family at home, in school, and throughout the community.

Events like Education Is Power are more than a conversation. They help us connect, reflect, and move forward together. When families share their experiences and leaders share solutions, we build the trust and momentum needed for real change. These gatherings also remind us that mental health isn’t a separate issue, it’s a thread that runs through education, stability, opportunity, and the systems families navigate every day. Whether it’s healthcare, housing, childcare, or school, supporting parents is not extra. It’s essential.

With Gratitude to Our Sponsors

Way to Grow extends heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors who made Education Is Power 2025 possible. Your support fuels our mission and ensures that families across our community have access to the tools, relationships, and resources they need to thrive.

Because of you, we were able to gather in a space of learning, healing, and connection—and to continue showing up for parents and children every day. Thank you for standing with us.

A Call to Action

Want to experience the day for yourself? Watch the full Education Is Power 2025 program, now available on YouTube with closed captions:

We invite you to join our efforts to improve parental mental health and child development in your community.

Vice President of Development, Melissa, greets a guest.
CEO Coco Du addresses the audience and introduces the topic of parental mental health.
Way to Grow Board Member Art Rolnick, Cheri Rolnick, and CEO Coco Du
MN Department of Children, Youth, and Families Commissioner Tikki Brown
Way to Grow staff members celebrating the engaging day.
Logos of Education Is Power 2025 sponsors supporting Way to Grow, parental mental health, and early childhood education

3rd Grade Graduation | Way to Grow, Minneapolis, MN

A Heartfelt Farewell: Celebrating Our Third Grade Graduates
A Heartfelt Farewell: Celebrating Our Third Grade Graduates 1200 900 Ann Frances Gregg

A Heartfelt Farewell: Celebrating Our Third Grade Graduates

This May, nearly 200 students, families, and staff came together at North Mississippi Regional Park in Minneapolis for a joyful third grade graduation celebration, a major milestone for the children and families of Way to Grow.

This event was more than a picnic, it marked the culmination of years of partnership, learning, and growth. Way to Grow supports families from before birth through third grade, ensuring every child is healthy, nurtured, and ready to succeed in school. Graduation is both a celebration and a launchpad, as our students take their next big step toward the future.

Third Graders, your future is bright, and Way to Grow is cheering you on every step of the way!

Way to Grow's 2025 3rd Grade Graduates
A very proud Way to Grow 3rd Grade Graduate with his medal
A Way to Grow family at 3rd Grade Graduation 2025
Way to Grow Family Educator, Miss Alison, and one of her students at 3rd Grade Graduation 2025
Way to Grow staff Jessica, Kim, and Coco, Way to Grow's CEO
Way to Grow Family Educator, Miss Phoua, and one of her students at 3rd Grade Graduation 2025

Celebrating Growth and Achievement

Families and educators enjoyed a beautiful day outdoors with jumbo yard games, badminton, a magician, and a BBQ lunch. Laughter filled the air as Family Educators shared reflections on each child’s journey in our early childhood education program.

These students have grown in so many ways, from building literacy skills to gaining confidence in the classroom. Their smiles said it all – they’re proud, prepared, and excited for what’s next.

Honoring Families and Community Support

As part of the celebration, and in honor of Mother’s Day, each mother received a single white rose. This small gesture recognized the love, resilience, and dedication of the caregivers who walk beside their children every step of the way.

At Way to Grow, we believe strong families build strong communities. These moments of recognition matter.

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

To our graduates: You’ve come so far, and we couldn’t be prouder. Your curiosity, courage, and resilience will take you far in life. Keep learning, keep dreaming, and know that you’ll always be part of the Way to Grow family.

With love,

Your friends at Way to Grow

Want to become a Way to Grow family?

If you or someone you know is expecting a child or raising young children in the Twin Cities, we’re here to help. Our free, personalized home visiting program supports families from before birth through third grade with early education, health resources, and trusted, long-term support.

Learn more and apply today at waytogrow.org/enroll.

We’d love to walk alongside your family, too.

Family Support from the Start: A Community Baby Shower
Family Support from the Start: A Community Baby Shower 1200 900 Ann Frances Gregg

Family Support from the Start: A Community Baby Shower

On March 18, Way to Grow and Sabathani Community Center hosted a heartwarming Community Baby Shower. The event brought together local families to celebrate new and expecting parents with essential resources, education, and support. Both organizations highlighted the importance of family support programs and access to parenting education resources, which help create strong foundations for early childhood development.

Way to Grow CEO, Coco Du, shared her reflections on the day:

“The best part of my day? Attending Way to Grow’s Community Baby Shower and seeing our team in action! I’m so grateful for our dedicated staff who provided maternal health education, ensuring every family felt supported. When we support families, we build stronger, healthier communities together.”

“The best part of my day? Attending Way to Grow’s Community Baby Shower and seeing our team in action! I’m so grateful for our dedicated staff who provided maternal health education, ensuring every family felt supported. When we support families, we build stronger, healthier communities together.”
-Coco Du, CEO of Way to Grow

Growing Strong with Way to Grow

Way to Grow believes every child deserves a safe and healthy start. Through our Growing Strong program, we offer early childhood family support with one-on-one guidance from our Family Educators. Parents receive coaching on safe sleep, prenatal and postpartum stress management, bonding and attachment, and brain development. Our goal is to help families navigate healthcare, from scheduling well-child checkups to staying up to date on immunizations. Our Community Baby Showers extend this mission, ensuring parents have access to holistic family services and community support.

During the event, our team provided maternal health education in both English and Spanish, ensuring every parent felt supported. Families received essential baby supplies, including diaper bags, sleep sacks, and much more. Attendees and staff discussed the importance of creating safe and nurturing home environments for their children.

If you or someone you know would like to become a Way to Grow family, fill out a Family Interest Form and we’ll be in touch! When you join Way to Grow, you become part of our family. We will be there every step of the way, walking alongside you as your family grows.

Sabathani Community Center: Maternal Health Matters

As our co-host, Sabathani Community Center shared the resources they offer to community members. Their Maternal Health Matters program focuses on supporting Black individuals through pregnancy and postpartum care with parent coaching and guidance. Services include home visits, perinatal yoga, and growing access to childcare and family resources. Families can learn more about these family-centered learning programs at sabathani.org/maternal-health.

Addressing Maternal Health Disparities in Minnesota

Events like the Community Baby Shower are especially important in Minnesota, where maternal health outcomes vary significantly across racial and economic lines. While Minnesota ranks better than the national average in overall maternal health, the state faces significant disparities, particularly in access to general healthcare. Black and American Indian/Alaska Native mothers in the Midwest experience some of the largest inequities in maternal health outcomes compared to White mothers (Surgo Health, Maternal Vulnerability Index, 2024). By providing free, accessible education and support, Way to Grow and Sabathani Community Center are working to address these disparities and ensure that every family—regardless of background—has the knowledge and resources needed for a healthy start.

Looking Ahead

A huge thank you to everyone who made this event possible, from our dedicated team members to the incredible families who joined us. Congratulations to all the growing families on their newest, precious arrivals! We look forward to continuing this work and strengthening parent-child relationships through community programs for parents.

For more information on Way to Grow and our home visiting programs for families, visit waytogrow.org.

For media inquiries, please contact: 
Melissa Meyer 
Vice President of Development 
mmeyer@mplswaytogrow.org 
612-874-4740 

It’s a Wrap on Summer Reads! (Plus, 6 Other Tips for Summertime Learning)
It’s a Wrap on Summer Reads! (Plus, 6 Other Tips for Summertime Learning) 5038 2726 Chelsea DeLong

6 Tips for Summertime Learning

  1. Visit a library and READ!
  2. Do math-based activities at home: cooking, counting, board games
  3. Visit parks, museums, zoos (and see if they offer family discounts or free visit programs!)
  4. Set time aside daily to work on academic skills
  5. Have FUN and be ENGAGED! Practice flashcards, get outside, play games with your children’s friends
  6. If traveling, have workbooks and games for the car
  7. Enroll your kids in Way to Grow’s “Summer Reads” program!

From July 6th through August 15th, Way to Grow partnered with Literacy Minnesota to implement Summer Reads programming! Summer Reads has again been the perfect opportunity for 20 participants to experience the joys of summer while staying on track for the upcoming school year with extra programming and literacy support. Twice a week for 30 minutes a day, each student worked with Allie, our Summer Reads tutor, through a tailored tutoring lesson.

Our pre-K students worked on a combination of rhyming, alliteration, and letter sounds. K-3rd grade students worked on reading through a Reading A-Z level book. Allie offered error corrections and asked comprehension questions along the way, and, at the end of the lesson, Allie read them a book of their choosing!

A big accomplishment of the summer was Allie gathering hundreds of books to give away to students in our year-round tutoring program. Additionally, all 20 of the Summer Reads students received 5-6 books from Allie. It’s a fantastic start to each child’s library!

One of Allie’s favorite parts of this job was working directly with the children in the program and found practicing skills such as self-confidence, resiliency, and communication with students rewarding.

While some students were nervous to begin, Allie helped them grow their confidence through patience and fun tutoring sessions, customized individually for each unique student.

“The biggest challenge I’ve seen a few children overcome in just a few short weeks is shyness and anxiety about meeting with me. One child wouldn’t even come on screen for several minutes of our first session together. She was crying and telling her parent that she didn’t want to do it. By the end of the session, she was smiling and laughing!”

Way to Grow continuously looks for ways to uplift families and to help parents be their child’s number one teacher. Our Summer Reads program is one of many ways to give children an extra boost of encouragement and guidance as they prepare to start school ready to learn and grow.

While we say goodbye to Allie and Summer Reads, we’re gearing up for the start of a new school year with more families to serve than ever before. We’re ready for you, 2022-2023 school year!

  • Maren Nelson
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Give to the Max Day success!
Give to the Max Day success! 600 600 Maren Nelson

Thank you for your contributions to Way to Grow to our Give to the Max Campaign. With your help, we raised over $7,300—with $5,000 of your gifts matched by one of our generous sponsors! 

Many families are facing difficult times this year, and our Family Educators are going above and beyond to keep connecting with the families as children are learning from home. Your generosity on Give to the Max Day supported our efforts to ensure that children within the most isolated families are born healthy, stay healthy and are prepared for school. We couldn’t do it without you!

  • Way to Grow
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Thanks for shining with us!
Thanks for shining with us! 2500 1309 Way to Grow

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 to T. Mychael Rambo, Jearlyn and Jevetta Steele, Doug Baker Ecolab CEO and Chairman of the Board and Megan Newquist, KSTP for shining with us during this special event.  Our event sponsors, table ambassadors and virtual guests allowed us to make the most of a virtual celebration and raise much needed dollars. Thank you!

  • Angelique McDonald
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Shine Celebration 2019
Shine Celebration 2019 1800 1200 Angelique McDonald

Our 30th Anniversary Shine Celebration on October 26, 2019 was an enormous success! Thanks to the support of our generous donors and our extraordinary volunteers and staff, Way to Grow raised over $400,000!

The 2019 Shine Celebration was a bedazzled evening of spectacular moments. The stars were out that night, with incredible performances by Jamecia Bennett, Dennis Spears, and T.Mychael Rambo peppered throughout the evening. One particular highlight was a performance by T.Mychael and our very own Way to Grow children—they were a smash! With a storybook song written just for us, T.Mychael positively mesmerized the audience while sharing the 30-year history of Way to Grow.

We were also delighted to welcome special guest speaker, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan to our celebration. During her keynote, she spoke about the importance of early education and the access for all children in the community. She also discussed how Way to Grow’s model has proven to be successful and stressed how education should be part of all that we do to support families and children in our communities.

One touching moment that stuck with us was listening to Bryanna Lopez, a Way to Grow alumna. Bryanna was joined on stage by her father, and spoke eloquently about how her family’s time with Way to Grow set them up for success by changing how they approached education as a family. Now a college sophomore studying bio engineering, we couldn’t be more proud!

The excitement ramped up with a Live Auction event that boasted trips to Scottsdale and Tuscany, great tickets to sporting events, and more. The money raised set the tone for a night of incredible generosity. Hundreds of guests showed amazing support all evening. Through donations of all sizes, live and silent auctions, and event sponsorships, we were able to raise over $400,000. Wow!

We at Way to Grow want to express our gratitude for all who came and supported our mission during our 30th Anniversary Shine Celebration. Thank you and we will see you in 2020!

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  • Angelique McDonald
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Preschool Pals Has Begun!
Preschool Pals Has Begun! 756 549 Angelique McDonald

This September, our preschool in North Minneapolis, Preschool Pals, held their first Parent-Child class for the school year. Preschool Pals hosts Parent-Child classes throughout the year, with near-perfect attendance by families. Each class centers around a theme that impacts families every day. This class focused on nutrition.

Lead by our preschool staff, the class was facilitated with the help of University of Minnesota Health & Nutrition Program Educator, Ms. Selah Michele. She spoke to parents about helping children try new foods and keeping them engaged with their food choices by including them in snack prep. She also gave parents tips for providing healthy snack options and answered personal questions from the families. 

The class concluded the session by making their own snack: fruit salsa with cinnamon chips. Parents then went home with a few recipes that they could try with their children. Yum! 

  • Angelique McDonald
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Festival of Fathers
Festival of Fathers 1143 751 Angelique McDonald

We believe every caregiver should be supported in their journey of raising a child. In a show of support for dads in our community, Way to Grow participated in Festival of Fathers at North Commons Park in North Minneapolis this past August. The annual Festival of Fathers is a community sponsored event that seeks to strengthen the positive role and perception of men, specifically fathers, in their families and communities. The event celebrated the essential impact of fathers and father figures in the lives of children and families. Families enjoyed free food, music, entertainment, a petting zoo, pony rides, a moon bounce, prize drawings, and a free t-shirt for dads with kids. We had a great time supporting families and getting out into our community!

What are some ways that you show support for all the types of caregivers in your family?

  • Angelique McDonald
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Backpacks are back!
Backpacks are back! 960 720 Angelique McDonald

An annual tradition was back again this year. On August 14, Way to Grow staff, in partnership with the Greater Twin Cities United Way and SPS Commerce, packed 1,200 backpacks in 30 minutes! Each backpack was filled with school supplies and distributed to families across the Twin Cities. Thanks to our community partners, we filled our school bus with 350 backpacks that were given out to Way to Grow children just in time for the first day of school!

A huge shoutout to our friends at Greater Twin Cities United Way and SPS Commerce for getting our kids ready for school!

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