Early Learning

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!

  • Way to Grow
  • No Comments

Preschool Pals Update: Summer is here!
Preschool Pals Update: Summer is here! 594 594 Way to Grow

An Update from Ms. Gwen

At the beginning of April our classes started a unit on color theory. The students mixed lots of colors, made sidewalk chalk, created rainbow crayons and worked together to make a classroom mural! Our class read the book “White Rabbit’s Color Book” by Alan Baker to learn more about mixing primary colors. Through hands-on activities like mixing colored water and making side walk chalk, the kids learned what colors make purple, green, orange and brown. The kids favorite activity was making crayons and having a glow in the dark dance party!

This spring we introduced two new music teachers from MacPhail Center for Music to come once a week to sing with our kids, teach them new instruments and engage in fun musical activities. 

Our class took time at the beginning of May to celebrate May Day. We had a picnic in the park, played games, made flower bracelets and decorated vases for our flower bouquets.

Our preschool held a parent–child class on gardening. Families worked together to plant their own seeds and the kids helped plant in the outdoor garden. 

Our unit for the month of May is on plants and gardening.The kids helped teachers put together the new garden bed. They worked to spread out the dirt and water our herb garden. The kids were fascinated with the different shapes, sizes and textures of each seed. They are most looking forward to the fruits and vegetables that our garden with produce this summer!

  • Way to Grow
  • No Comments

Celebrating our Third Graders!
Celebrating our Third Graders! 2560 1706 Way to Grow

Congrats, Third Graders!

Hats off to our third grade class of 2024! This May, Way to Grow honored our third grade graduates at North Mississippi Regional Park. At Way to Grow, we partner with families from before birth through third grade, so we’re wishing our students and families well as they graduate from Way to Grow. This graduation is not a farewell but a “see you soon” to our 8-year-olds.

Our celebration included a picnic lunch, an array of sweet treats, jumbo yard games, and inspiring words from our Family Educators. Gathering with our families reminds us of the hope, joy, and laughter that fill our community every day.

To Way to Grow’s Class of 2024,

Congratulations on your amazing achievement of graduating from third grade! This is a special milestone, and we are all so proud of you. Your hard work, curiosity, and determination have brought you here, and it’s wonderful to see how much you’ve grown and learned.

As you move forward, remember that every step you take is a new adventure. Keep asking questions, exploring new ideas, and always believe in yourself. Your journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see all the incredible things you will achieve.

Enjoy your summer, have fun, and get ready for the exciting challenges ahead. Remember, you have a bright future, and we’re here cheering you on every step of the way.

With heartfelt congratulations,

Your friends at Way to Grow

  • Way to Grow
  • No Comments

Congrats, Third Graders!
Congrats, Third Graders! 1366 2048 Way to Grow

Congrats, Third Graders!

This summer, we gathered together at North Mississippi Regional Park to celebrate our 3rd grade graduates!

At Way to Grow, we work with families from before birth to third grade. Graduation isn’t a goodbye, but a “see ya later!” to our fantastic 8-year-olds.  We celebrated with a picnic lunch, plenty of sweet treats, jumbo yard games, and heartwarming words from our Family Educators.  

Celebrating together with our families is always a reminder of the hope, joy, and laughter that lives in our community every single day. To our third grade graduates… we can’t wait to see all of the amazing things you achieve! 

Meet Destiny!
Meet Destiny! 1707 2560 Kate Kinkade

With a special love of painting pictures and reciting pages from her favorite book, Chrysanthemum, Destiny is bright, talented, and determined to be a leader. Her mom, Sharla, laughs: “Sometimes I call her auntie,” she says, “because she has an older soul.”

Destiny’s journey with Way to Grow began when she was just two years old, pointing out the Way to Grow Preschool Pals bus each time it drove past her Minneapolis home. After a bit of research, Sharla and Destiny began attending Play to Grow groups with other Way to Grow families.

“Both Destiny and Sharla would attend nearly every week,” remembers Mr. Tony, Destiny and Sharla’s Family Educator. “Over time, Destiny became more confident in herself and started to join in small group activities.”

When Destiny graduated from Way to Grow’s Preschool Pals in 2022, she was ready to start her next big adventure. Adjusting to kindergarten at a brand new school was difficult at first, but Mr. Tony was there to offer support and answer questions for every step of the process. 

Sharla explains that Tony is always checking in with her family to offer resources and support: “It’s never overwhelming,” says Sharla. “He’s always warm – it’s comfortable, genuine support.”

These days, Destiny is excelling in her studies at KIPP Academy. When Destiny isn’t in school, she’s probably playing with her turtles, Bobby and Steve, having snacks at the YMCA, or leapfrogging across your local library. When she grows up, Destiny wants to be an artist—and, with determination like hers, anything is possible!

The Present and Future of Way to Grow’s Impact
The Present and Future of Way to Grow’s Impact 3415 3293 Chelsea DeLong

Fadumo and Emmanuel’s Story

For over 30 years, Way to Grow has worked with families in the Twin Cities, providing high-impact, early childhood and elementary education to help children and families succeed in school and life. Way to Grow provides parents and caregivers the tools they need to be their child’s #1 teacher, encouraging parents and children to advocate for themselves throughout their educational journey.

Way to Grow’s uniquely customized home visiting program addresses education inequity in the Twin Cities and surrounding communities by supporting early learners in the present and putting families on the path to success—from third grade graduation and beyond.

On Friday, October 14th at our Shine Celebration Gala, we heard about the longevity of Way to Grow’s impact from our two special guests, Emmanuel and Fadumo.

Emmanuel, a current Way to Grow first grader, has been working hard with his Family Educator Amina since 2020. When they first met, Emmanuel hid under the table! But with persistence and hard work, Emmanuel grew to trust Anima and learned the alphabet one letter at a time. After completing his kindergarten-readiness assessment, he tested perfectly… and skipped kindergarten, going right into the first grade!

Taking the stage in a room of a crowd of over 360 people, Emmanuel read the following poignant verses from Amanda Gorman’s children’s book, “Change Sings”:

I can hear change humming

In its loudest, proudest song

I don’t fear change coming,

And so I sing along.

Change sings where? There! Inside of me.

Because I am the change I want to see.

As I grow, it grows like seeds.

I am just what the world needs

Emmanuel’s story and progress shows what we know: Way to Grow’s program works on children and has immediate benefits to the family, child, and the community.

Next to the stage was Fadumo, Way to Grow alum and recent Hamline University graduate. Shany, her Family Educator, knew Fadumo since before she was born! Graduating from our program in 2005, Fadumo told an enraptured audience how Shany’s presence in her life at such a young age has impacted her to this very day.

Though her time with Way to Grow was nearly two decades ago, the impact on her education has remained through the present. Benefiting from one-on-one learning with Shany, Fadumo excelled all throughout her entire academic career—from elementary school all the way to Hamline University— and credits her time with Shany as a reminder of how she can succeed.

In her own words: “Today, I aspire to become a Physician Associate that specializes in pediatric care. And I’m PROUD to say that I have been accepted into the Augsburg University Physician Associate graduate program! Someday I hope to have the opportunity to work with kids and have an impact on their life like Shany did with me.”

Emmanuel and Fadumo are just two of MANY individuals that Way to Grow impacts year after year. Through hard work from our families, staff, and supporters, we have seen Way to Grow families succeed: in 2022, we’ve currently worked with over 600 families—and we’re looking forward to connecting with even more children and families before the end of the year!

Once more, another round of applause for Emmanuel, Fadumo, and their continued accomplishments!

  • Way to Grow
  • No Comments

Introducing Jearlyn + Jevetta Steele!
Introducing Jearlyn + Jevetta Steele! 1200 600 Way to Grow

Jearlyn Steele

Jearlyn is a member of the internationally acclaimed family, The Steeles, who have performed from Carnegie Hall to Brazil and to the Super Bowl Live Verizon stage in 2018. Recently, Jearlyn and The Steeles were a part of the 2022 (Prince) Celebration at Paisley Park in Chanhassen, Minnesota. For more than a decade, she has been the Entertainment Reporter for Twin Cities Public Television’s award-winning political show Almanac interviewing local, national and international acts.

As a keynote speaker, facilitator and emcee, Jearlyn has inspired audiences around the country and the Caribbean.  Maintaining her four-hour Sunday night radio show called Steele Talkn’ on WCCO Radio 830AM, has been a joy for more than two decades.  Developing and delivering her TedX Talk in 2016 offered a revisit of her Personal Values Statement, which has emboldened her as a woman, mother, entertainer, and student.

Musically, she has performed with the Minnesota Orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Prince, Mavis Staples and more.  She was a frequent special guest on the national radio broadcast A Prairie Home Companion performing duets with music greats Carole King and Elvis Costello. Her vocal talents landed her a feature in the Robert Altman film, A Prairie Home Companion starring Meryl Streep, Lily Tomlin, Woody Harrelson, Tommy Lee Jones and Garrison Keillor.

Jearlyn has served on Boards for Chrysalis—a women’s resource center and the Ordway Circle of Stars, who unite children with the world of art. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Leadership and Innovation in Ministry at Luther Seminary St. Paul, MN.

In 2016, an Honorary Doctorate degree was conferred upon her by the University of Indianapolis and in October 2019, she received an Emmy for narrator of the TPT documentary, Flour Power. Jearlyn is a mother of two and a grandmother of three.

Jevetta Steele

Jevetta Steele s a member of the internationally acclaimed musical family, The Steeles.

She is most noted for her Academy Award nominated performance of Calling You from the motion picture Bagdad Café, which is certified GOLD in several European countries. Miss Steele is an original cast member of the Broadway, national and international touring hit “The Gospel at Colonus”, a featured artist on 2 operas (“Dear Mrs. Parks” & “African Portraits”), a recipient of 4 Gold records and an author of 2 plays- “2 Queens-1 Castle…an autobiographical music” and contributor with Don Cheadle on “Point of Revue”.

Ms. Steele has recorded 4 albums, performed on many major theatrical stages while lending her voice to national artist the likes of Prince, The Sounds of Blackness, Natalie Merchant and more. Her voice can also be found on local/regional radio and television commercials.

Meet Maya and Maki!
Meet Maya and Maki! 2560 1707 Chelsea DeLong

Way to Grow’s Family Educators know that every family and child is unique, so they customize literacy lessons and tailor academic curriculum to fit each child’s strengths. 

When Eureka heard about Way to Grow, she thought it would be a great fit for her twins, Maya and Maki. Eureka reached out after her twins completed 2nd grade, but had struggled throughout 2020 with distance learning. Maya was reading at a beginning 1st grade level, and Maki, while reading at grade level, lacked reading comprehension. 

After working intensively with Amanda, their Family Educator, the twins finished 3rd grade at grade level!

Watch Them Grow

Amanda met Maya and Maki and began spending time getting to know their strengths, interests, and subjects they needed to work on to catch up. It was evident that Maya was very creative: she loved to draw, and often created beautiful pictures. When working with Maki, Amanda could see that when he was determined to learn something, he worked very hard to master it.

As twins, it came as no surprise that Maya and Maki were competitive and loved games. Amanda incorporated their individual strengths into literacy games to help improve their skills. Together, they would play “Sight Word Freeze” and “Rhyming Bingo,” and compete to win small, donated prizes as an encouragement for their hard work. 

As their reading improved, Amanda worked on having them take turns reading—Maya and Maki were able to complete their first chapter book in the spring.

Amanda also worked with the twins on activities such as counting money, telling time, and reading maps—all to further develop their skills before graduating from Way to Grow.

While both twins were showing noteable improvement, Amanda and Eureka agreed that Maya could use additional support at school while participating in Way to Grow’s tutoring program. Eureka was able to advocate for those services, and Maya finished 3rd grade at grade level with her twin. 

Maya and Maki’s success story would not have been possible without the support of their Family Educator, the recognition of their unique tutoring needs, their mother’s tireless advocacy, and the twins’ hard work. Maya and Maki are the real heroes of their story. We know their unique strengths and confidence borne of success will guide them through any challenges they face in life!

  • Way to Grow
  • No Comments

Meet Aubrey!
Meet Aubrey! 2560 1707 Way to Grow

In a year and half, the confident, go-getter Aubrey went from being a cautious, nervous reader to loving books of every kind. Most importantly, she is now reading at grade level with an infectious smile!

Aubrey’s family educator, Alison, first met Aubrey and her family seven years ago. Through her many accomplishments made alongside Way to Grow, Alison saw Aubrey grow into a bright, happy girl who radiated confidence. But when 2nd grade brought literacy struggles, it was concerning to see how something as simple as a book transformed Aubrey from confident to cautious. 

As Aubrey exits Way to Grow after seven years, her smile—and confidence—is bigger than ever.

Culture to Culture Connections

In addition to the usual tools Alison uses to support literacy, including worksheets, writing, games, and “Reading A to Z,” connecting with Aubrey about their Native American heritage also supported Aubrey’s progress. Megan, Aubrey’s mother, truly appreciated connecting through their heritage, sharing, “Aubrey and I really liked it when Alison would bring books about our culture.” 

Aubrey attends Anishinabe Academy and was thrilled to bring home projects to show Alison what she had created and learned at school. Connecting Aubrey with her culture was important to Alison, and Alison was happy to help her learn.

Aubrey didn’t say “Goodbye” to Alison when she left. Instead, she said, “Gigawabamin,” which translates to “See you later” in Ojibwe. 

As Aubrey finished up 3rd grade, she asked why Alison only visited once a month. The answer was simple: because of the incredible progress she’s made! Monthly visits were enough for Alison to work, connect, and know that Aubrey was ready to move onto the 4th grade, at grade level. These days, Aubrey is working hard on practicing her cursive. 

At Way to Grow, we understand that language and cultural connections play a major role in helping children develop reading skills. Alison knows that Aubrey’s excitement and curiosity about reading, education, and her Native American culture, will take her far. While it’s bittersweet to see Aubrey graduate from our program, we won’t say goodbye. It’s a Gigawabamin to Aubrey and her family!

Abubakar: a reading superstar!
Abubakar: a reading superstar! 3986 3000 Chelsea DeLong

Maryan and her four children have been enrolled in Way to Grow programming for over seven years! They have worked closely with their warmhearted and dedicated Family Educator, Shany, since 2014. The youngest of the four children, five year old Abubkar, has been excelling in school and Shany has been very impressed with his desire to learn and engage in educational activities.

Abubakar was set to start kindergarten in the fall of 2021, but his pre-k assessments indicated he had surpassed kindergarten levels and was moved up to first grade! Throughout his visits with Shany, he has soared through his A-Z leveled readers and has is now reading at second grade level. On top of his exceptional reading skills, Abubakar stays very active, playing football and baseball. “He is a very lively little boy, always happy!” says Shany.

Abubakar is supported by his mom and three older sisters, but especially his sister Ameera. She takes time to read with her little brother and play with him. They are best buddies! Ameera is very nurturing and patient with Abubakar, listening to him practice his reading skills and helping him understand the new vocabulary.

We are so proud of Abubakar for his superstar accomplishments! We look forward to watching him continue excelling and succeeding in school and life.

Way to Grow
Accreditations

Parents as Teachers Affiliate
Parent Aware Ratings
NAEYC

Newsletter

© 2025 Way to Grow

Enter your
text here

    Your Name (required)

    Address

    City

    Zip

    Your Email (required)

    Phone

    Preferred contact method:

    EmailPhoneEither

    Available days:
    SunMonTuesWedsThursFriSat

    Time of day available:
    MorningAfternoonEvenings

    Services interested in:
    preschoolspecial projectsteen parentsadministrativeeventsother

    Opportunity interested in:

    Language(s) Spoken besides English:
    AmharicArabicHmongOromoSomaliSpanish

    Other languages spoken:

    Emergency contact (name, phone, relationship):

    Volunteer agreement (required):

    I understand that during the course of my volunteering at Way to Grow, I may come in contact with information that is deemed confidential. This includes, but is not limited to, personal information about Way to Grow participants. I understand that Way to Grow is required by law to keep this information confidential, and I will treat all information I come across as such unless I am told otherwise.

    I understand and agree that I am volunteering for Way to Grow at my own risk and request. I also give permission for the free use of my name, picture and voice in any broadcast, telecast, print account or any other account in any medium of the event being recorded.

    I Accept

    Additional Message: