For Parents

Community Engagement Manager Sheena and Family Educator Alison at a local event.

How Community Engagement Opens Doors for Families
How Community Engagement Opens Doors for Families 1200 900 Ann Frances Gregg

How Community Engagement Opens Doors for Families

Way to Grow knows that real community engagement starts with relationships. It’s how families find us, how they feel welcome, and how they begin their journey toward brighter futures.

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Sheena, our Community Engagement Manager. Her work helps open doors for families across Minneapolis and beyond, ensuring that every parent or caregiver who connects with Way to Grow feels valued, respected, and supported.

Staff spotlight on Sheena, Way to Grow's Community Engagement Manager.

“My job is all about meeting families where they are, literally and figuratively,”
Sheena says. “Every connection matters.”

Why Community Engagement Matters

When Way to Grow launched over 35 years ago, we began with a simple but bold goal: walk alongside families and children to help every child thrive from prenatal stages through age 5. In 2010, we expanded with our Great by 8 Program. Over time, our work grew across more neighborhoods and communities. As family needs became more complex, it became clear that intentional, consistent community engagement would be essential to reach more families and build trusted relationships.

Families face many barriers to opportunity, from navigating healthcare and education systems to overcoming language barriers or mistrust of institutions. For many families, this mistrust can be rooted in lived experiences. Some have encountered schools that did not welcome them. Others faced healthcare providers who failed to listen, or social service systems that felt cold or punitive. Many have been impacted by a long history of policies that excluded or harmed their communities. Without trusted connections and relationships, even the best programs can remain out of reach for those who need them most.

That’s where Sheena comes in.

Building Trusted Connections with Families

Way to Grow created the Community Engagement Manager role to deepen relationships, expand outreach, and ensure that families feel welcomed into our programs. Sheena now leads this important work. She works to ensure families experience not just enrollment, but a true sense of connection.

Every family referred to Way to Grow begins with Sheena. She reaches out directly, often working across languages and cultures to build understanding. She then matches each family with a Family Educator who will be the best fit for their goals and needs.

For families, this personal connection makes a world of difference. It means they are met with respect, care, and understanding. It means they do not have to navigate complex systems alone or wonder whether a program will truly reflect their values, language, or culture. Above all, it means their first experience with Way to Grow is one of trust and relationship. Together, we lay the foundation for strong, lasting engagement that helps children and families thrive.

Whether a parent is navigating healthcare, seeking early education, or looking for a trusted mentor, Sheena helps them take that crucial first step.

Community Engagement Beyond Enrollment

Sheena’s role extends far beyond one-on-one outreach. Throughout the year, she represents Way to Grow at community events where she connects with new families. She deepens partnerships with local organizations.

You might spot Sheena at resource fairs, block parties, or school open houses. You may also find her at library story times, cultural celebrations, or parent education nights… wherever families naturally gather. Way to Grow continues to maintain strong relationships with early childhood networks, clinic-based literacy programs, and partners such as Hennepin County, Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ), and the Minnesota Prenatal to Three Coalition. These connections help us stay attuned to the needs of families and broaden our reach to those who may benefit from our programs.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Presence & Partnerships

Looking to the future, Sheena hopes to help Way to Grow strengthen our community presence across more neighborhoods, create more consistent spaces where families can learn and connect, and elevate family voices in shaping our program design.

She also sees potential in growing partnerships with local organizations and recognizes that no single program can meet every need. In this way, through collaboration, shared resources, and authentic listening, Way to Grow builds a more connected network of support for families.

“I’m honored to be a trusted face in the community and represent Way to Grow,” Sheena says. “Every day brings something new. And every connection reminds me why this work matters.”

Building Trust, One Family at a Time

At Way to Grow, we know that strong community engagement is key to trusted relationships with families and long-term success. Moving forward, we are committed to meeting families where they are and walking alongside them every step of the way.

Learn more about our programs or take your first step with us today!

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

Way to Grow hosts Cooking Matters for a 6-week cooking course for Way to Grow families.

Family Cooking Classes Build Confidence
Family Cooking Classes Build Confidence 1200 900 Ann Frances Gregg

Family Cooking Classes Build Confidence

Way to Grow celebrates the power of food to nourish more than just bodies, it builds connection, confidence, and community, which is why we’re proud to partner with University of MN Extension for a six-week series of cooking classes for families through Cooking Matters. Each week, a local chef (Peter), a nutrition educator (Lani), Way to Grow parents, and our Programming Team come together to learn a new recipe and build kitchen skills that support long-term success at home. These shared experiences help families turn everyday cooking into positive family experiences.

We want to give a special shoutout to Brittany, a former participant in our first Cooking Matters series last year. From the start, she arrived early to help Lani and Peter with prep work. Her willingness and hard work made such a positive impact for everyone involved. This year, she returned as a formal volunteer for the full six-week course. We’re so grateful for her enthusiasm, skill, and time..

Week by week, recipe by recipe, these cooking classes are feeding families in all the ways that matter.

Teaching hands-on, healthy meals on a budget

Cooking Matters is a national program dedicated to helping families shop for and prepare healthy meals on a budget. Their hands-on, real-life approach aligns with Way to Grow’s mission of supporting families through education and empowerment. Each week, families learn how to:

  • Use simple techniques to cook with confidence
  • Try new flavors and foods with guidance from an experienced local chef
  • Use the Cooking Matters Recipe Finder to discover practical recipes perfect for busy lives
  • Stretch ingredients across meals

Parents and Family Educators gain practical skills and ideas they can immediately use. And children often join in – tasting, laughing, and celebrating the meals their parents create.

Why family meal planning matters

Way to Grow knows that consistent mealtimes support children’s learning and development. Family meal planning can boost language skills, pass on cultural traditions, and create space for emotional connection. When caregivers feel confident in the kitchen, they’re more likely to prepare balanced meals, and more likely to enjoy doing it.

Through this six-week series, parents discover that nutritious food doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. With the right tools and support, mealtimes are less stressful and more meaningful.

Chef Peter leading a family cooking class session
Parent cooking a new recipe during Cooking Matters session
Way to Grow mom preparing vegetables during class
Women discussing ingredients during a family cooking class
Brittany and Ronel smiling with Brittany’s cooking certificate

A program that feeds more than stomachs

Week by week, recipe by recipe, these cooking classes are feeding families in all the ways that matter. What starts as a simple meal often ends with shared laughter, new friendships, and a growing sense of confidence. Families leave with full stomachs and hearts, and skills that will last well beyond the final session.

Our final session was especially sweet. Participants received program certificates, shared a celebratory lunch, and enjoyed a favorite from the Cooking Matters recipe page – Black Bean Brownies. Delicious, rich, and packed with protein, they were the perfect way to end a season of learning and connection.

Way to Grow is grateful to the University of MN Extension program for investing in our community and showing what’s possible when we cook and learn together. We’re happy to share that a second series is in the works. Stay tuned!

To explore more about how Cooking Matters helps families thrive nationwide, visit cookingmatters.org.

Special thanks to John Gwinn for sharing his photos with us.

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.

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 

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Family Fun: Post-It Note Games
Family Fun: Post-It Note Games 800 350 Maren Nelson

Keep learning year-round with indoor actives like this! Sent to us by our Preschool Pals teachers, you can adapt the game to different skill levels.

You will need: 
A blank wall or door (or even the front of the refrigerator), sticky notes, marker. 

Step 1:
Write each letter of the alphabet on a different sticky note, and put them on the wall or door.
 
Step 2: 
Ask the child to identify the letter, spell words, or find the letter based on its sound. 
 
Download instructions for identifying the letter, matching letters, alliteration, and spelling and rhyming for even more fun!

Download the instructions here!
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Family Fun: Cheerio Bird Feeders
Family Fun: Cheerio Bird Feeders 3334 1459 Way to Grow

It can be hard to find fun activities to keep kids busy indoors during the cold winter months. Tap into their creativity and watch some local wildlife together with these bird feeders! 

You will need: 
Cheerios, floral wire or pipe cleaners, ribbon or string for hanging

Step 1:
Shape your wire first – our example uses hearts, but you can twist it into other fun shapes, too!
 
Step 2: 
Thread the Cheerios on the wire.  
 
Step 3:
Twist the ends of the wire together to close the shape and keep the Cheerios in place.
 
Step 4:
Hang it up outside near a window and enjoy watching the birds that come for a snack, or make it educational by helping your children identify the birds and learning about them together!

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Family Fun: Wax Crayon Resist Art
Family Fun: Wax Crayon Resist Art 3334 1459 Way to Grow

It can be hard to find fun activities to keep kids busy indoors during the cold winter months. Tap into their creativity with this fun snowflake art! 

You will need: 
white wax crayon, white paper, watercolor paint, paint brush, cup of water, salt

Step 1:
Draw a design on a white piece of paper with a white crayon. (This is perfect for snowflakes or a snowman!)
 
Step 2: 
Choose a color (or several!) to paint on your drawing. Be sure to paint over all your crayon designs. They will pop against the colorful background! 
 
Step 3:
For extra pizzazz, sprinkle some salt over your painting while it’s still wet. This creates a beautiful and unique effect when mixed with the watercolor paint.
 
Step 4:
Let your painting dry and enjoy!

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

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. We recommend 3-5 hands.
 
Step 2: 
Choose your favorite fall leaf colors and color your whole hand. You can practice staying in the lines as an extra challenge or choose to go over the line to make sure every part of your hand is colored.
 
Step 3:
Cut out your hands along the line you traced.
 
Step 4:
Cut two 1-inch slits on either side of the top of your toilet paper roll.
 
Step 5: 
Place your cut-out “leaf” hands in the slits of your toilet paper roll. Arrange the hands so that the tree looks full of leaves. 
 
Step 6:
Enjoy your new fall tree!

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Family Fun: On the hunt!
Family Fun: On the hunt! 1080 1920 Maren Nelson

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 to identify items on the card, as well as the different things you encounter. Encourage older children to lead the hunt by thinking about where specific items can be found, and increase the difficulty by setting a timer. When you’ve found an item, cross it off on the card.

BINGO!

You’ve won when you find five items in a line (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal), or continue until you have found every item. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy your adventure together!

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