A Place to Rest and to Dream
Way to Grow knows that strong community partnerships create lasting impact. When organizations align with shared purpose and respect, small acts of support can transform lives. One recent story made possible through our collaboration with My Very Own Bed, reminds us why these connections matter so deeply.
Just last week, one of our Family Educators shared that a single father and his young son had finally secured their own apartment after months of transitional housing. The moment the lease was signed, the Family Educator sent in a referral to My Very Own Bed. Within days, the team at My Very Own Bed delivered and set up a child’s bed complete with a mattress, bedding, and a Dream Kit, which included a book and stuffed animal.
The little boy climbed into his new bed and didn’t want to leave! He hugged the blanket, rolled around with joy, and played quietly in his room. For the first time in many months, he slept through the entire night. His dad, checking in repeatedly to see if he was okay, was overwhelmed with gratitude, not just for the bed, but for the peace that came with it.
“This is what it’s all about,” Meg Hobday of My Very Own Bed shared in an email after hearing the story. She read the message aloud to volunteers as they packed more Dream Kits, reminding everyone of the real lives and families touched by their efforts.
The Power of Referral and Relationship
Way to Grow doesn’t do this work alone. Our Family Educators are deeply embedded in the lives of the families they serve, while our partnerships with groups like My Very Own Bed, allow us to meet practical needs quickly and meaningfully. Since 2014, My Very Own Bed has been delivering new beds and Dream Kits to children moving into stable housing across the Twin Cities. Their work focuses on a simple, essential belief: every child deserves a good night’s sleep. We couldn’t agree more.
This referral wasn’t just a form. It was a recognition of what the family had been through and what they needed to move forward. Through trust, quick coordination, and shared values, we helped this child feel safe, seen, and at home. Community partnerships allow us to respond faster, reach further, and provide more holistic care. When we refer families to organizations like My Very Own Bed, we’re not just checking off needs, we’re building a web of support that reinforces healing, stability, and dignity. It’s also a reminder that philanthropy isn’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes, the greatest impact comes from one bed, one night of sleep, one child finally feeling secure.
Learn More and Get Involved
If you’re inspired by this story, we invite you to learn more about My Very Own Bed and their incredible mission. And if you’re looking for more ways to support families in our community, explore how you can partner with Way to Grow or donate today.
Way to Grow celebrates the power of community partnership, and all the quiet, powerful moments that follow when we work together.
