Backpacks are back!https://waytogrow.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/way-to-grow-back-pack.jpg960720Angelique McDonaldAngelique McDonaldhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e741fdafe889c563adfa7aa27c4a15a6?s=96&d=blank&r=g
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!
Adopt-A-Family: A Great End to 2018https://waytogrow.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_5256-scaled.jpg25601920Ken StoryKen Storyhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/97953452264113cc14bb44f35b738fc1?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Every December, Way to Grow is able to reach even more families and provide basic needs, special treats, and a great start to the new year through our Adopt-A-Family program.
Started through a partnership with Allina Health, Adopt-A-Family allows churches, companies, and individuals to sponsor a Way to Grow family during what many of us celebrate as the holiday season. Families are selected by our Family Educators, and together they compile a wishlist for each family member, as well as the household. From there, our staff works with groups from all over the Twin Cities to purchase, wrap, and deliver the gifts. By the end of December, our office was bursting with deliveries for so many families, all graciously donated by our neighbors.
In the spirit of giving and thanks, we are proud to share with you that at the end of 2018, over 50 families were brought joy and cheer. We could not have done this without the generosity of the hundreds of individuals who simply wanted to bring joy to families during the holiday season. Witnessing this selfless giving was a truly great way to end 2018—we are so inspired by and grateful for this support.
If you want more information or are interested in participating in future Adopt-A-Family campaigns, please contact our Adopt-A-Family Coordinator, Liz Woods, at lwoods@mplswaytogrow.org.
2014 In Reviewhttps://waytogrow.org/wp-content/themes/movedo/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg150150Ivy MarsnikIvy Marsnikhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ab576c09797e9f9d67fd5ff51d64d1d7?s=96&d=blank&r=g
In 2014, we:
Had 88% of all Way to Grow preschoolers pass kindergarten readiness assessments for the second year in a row.
Opened our second preschool in South Minneapolis (Preschool P.A.L.S) at Urban Ventures, with a focus on educating both preschoolers and parents.
Celebrated serving our first cohort of third graders completing our Great by Eight program expansion.
Expanded our health and nutrition program resulting in both parents and children incorporating more nutritious food in their meal planning while increasing healthy behaviors.
Consider including Way to Grow in your year-end giving and make a tax-deductible donation today.
A Very Special Deliveryhttps://waytogrow.org/wp-content/themes/movedo/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg150150Way to GrowWay to Growhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/09f1d2145e67b2693c587ac4095c60a0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Yesterday, we received a very special delivery: a collection of bilingual board books in Spanish and Somali! The books were purchased with funds raised through our yearly Santa Claus appearance at Magers and Quinn Booksellers in Uptown, Minneapolis.
Pictured above: Gary Mazzone, Outreach & Sales Director at Magers and Quinn Booksellers; Elizabeth Fields; Jenny Donovan; Carolyn Smallwood, Executive Director of Way to Grow; Carrie Johnson, Director of Early Education at Way to Grow; Melissa Meyer, Annual Fund & Communications Manager.
Thanks to Magers and Quinn and the United Educators Credit Union for their continued support of Way to Grow!
Homework Kits from PricewaterhouseCoopersWay to GrowWay to Growhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/09f1d2145e67b2693c587ac4095c60a0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
A team from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP recently volunteered their time to prepare homework kits for our families. These donated school supplies will help create an environment for learning in our families’ homes.
The Generosity of General Millshttps://waytogrow.org/wp-content/themes/movedo/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg150150Way to GrowWay to Growhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/09f1d2145e67b2693c587ac4095c60a0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
On Friday, December 6th, the External Relations Division of General Mills delivered hats, mittens, and books for our Way to Grow families. They also spent part of the afternoon helping build capacity through a variety of volunteer projects. Team members prepared games and curriculum tools for our home visiting kits, helped sort books for our family libraries, and participated in a marketing brainstorming session.
The staff and leadership of General Mills has supported Way to Grow for over 20 years. Thanks for being Way to Grow heroes!
Donations from the Kids in Need Foundationhttps://waytogrow.org/wp-content/themes/movedo/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg150150Way to GrowWay to Growhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/09f1d2145e67b2693c587ac4095c60a0?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Way to Grow was a recent recipient of a generous donation from the Kids in Need Foundation. The Kids in Need Foundation ensures that every child is prepared to learn and succeed by providing free school supplies nationally to students most in need. Last week our Family Educators made a trip to the Kids in Need Resource Center and then helped deliver books and other supplies to our Way to Grow families. And just look at all the smiles!
