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 Bowman on the Way to Grow development team, “the owner asked me who I was, because they know everyone who shops there.” She told him that Way to Grow had moved in down the street and shared their mission to ensure children in the most isolated households are born healthy, stay healthy, and are ready for school.
Doug Anderson, the co-owner and clerk, pointed to a large donation jar on the checkout counter. He said, “We are about to take up a new collection of donations from our customers for a neighborhood cause. The last one was for a neighbor’s medical bills. This time it will be for Way to Grow.”
Over the years, the Bryn Mawr Market has helped fund neighbors in need over a dozen times, simply by taking up a collection of change from its patrons. When you visit the market, you can see images of previous charitable checks hanging quietly on the wall behind the checkout counter.
Fast forward to August 2020, when Doug Anderson presented Way to Grow with a generous check for $1,142.27. “This is from our customers. I am so proud of our community and so happy to be here,” said Doug. “And we believe in what Way to Grow is doing.”
Way to Grow is incredibly thankful for this beautiful expression of neighborhood support from co-owners Doug Anderson, Paul Anderson, and the Bryn Mawr Market and its customers. Thank you, neighbors!
