LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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For some families, the end of summer is alive with the anticipation of new Back-to-School experiences, but for families living in poverty Back-to-School can be a time of great worry and concern. Research shows that without access to critical resources that middle class families can afford, low-income children arrive at Kindergarten with delays that make them more likely to fall behind in school. As toddlers, many of these delays are evident, and over time poverty progressively undermines their ability to catch up.
Your continued support of Room to Grow directly ensures that parents have the material and informational support necessary to meet the needs of their growing babies. Together we will give babies the best start in life and help prepare them for the brightest possible future.
With gratitude for your support,
Robyn Carter
Executive Director
  
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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT: Lending Parents a Helping Hand
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Gia was referred to Room to Grow in the summer of 2011 by a prenatal care social worker at Brigham and Women's Hospital. She was living in a two bedroom apartment with her two daughters, and was unexpectedly pregnant with her third child. The timing of this pregnancy was difficult as the children's father was not providing emotional or financial support, and the rent had recently increased. By the time her son Benjamin was born, Gia was behind on her rent and facing eviction.
Room to Grow social worker Rebecca gave Gia a place to express her worries, while also recognizing and supporting her strengths as a parent. Rebecca also identified and referred Gia to a local organization called A Lift Up that could assist with financial planning and budgeting to allow Gia to keep her apartment.
With the support of Room to Grow, Gia now has a home for her children, plus all of the clothes, books, shoes and baby equipment needed for her growing child. No longer worried about eviction, Gia focuses her quarterly meetings with Rebecca on Benjamin's healthy development and her joy of parenting.
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VOLUNTEER SNAPSHOT: Red Sox Step Up to the Plate for Room to Grow
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 Room to Grow was selected as one of 100 charity beneficiaries of "the 100 Acts of Kindness", a Red Sox philanthropy initiative celebrating Fenway's 100th birthday. To show support for Room to Grow, the Sox organized a team to pitch in and help out. In July, Red Sox wives Kelli Pedroia, Farrah Lester and Natalie Punto, along with other Sox staff, hosted a drive to collect baby essentials. They delivered clothing, books, toys and gear to our new program space and stayed to sort donations. |
RECENT AND UPCOMING EVENTS
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 June 7 | 2012
Grand Re-Opening
The Boston Advisory Board hosted more than 100 Room to Grow supporters to our new space. Guests toured our new headquarters, met executive director Robyn Carter, and learned more about Room to Grow's program. Savory bites were generously provided by Geoffrey's Cafe and Chef Wheeler of KITCHN TABLE. Guests also enjoyed a complimentary wine tasting hosted by the Urban Grape. Special thanks to the New England Bartending School for their assistance, and Blooms of Hope for the lovely floral décor.
August | 2012
Birdies for Charity
Room to Grow is one of 25 charity beneficiaries featured during the upcoming Deutsche Bank PGA Championship. This is a terrific opportunity to support Room to Grow and for a chance to win great prizes. By August 30, visit the Birdies for Charity web page, select Room to Grow as the recipient of your donation, and enter to win 2013 season tickets to the Red Sox and two tickets on Virgin Atlantic Airways. Room to Grow will receive 100% of the pledges made on our behalf.
August - September | 2012
Back to School Book Drive
Donate new and lightly used books appropriate for ages 0-3 to Room to Grow. Books will immediately go home with families raising babies in poverty to encourage literacy skills and an early love of reading. Make an in-kind donation, organize a book drive, purchase a book from our wish list or donate financially to support our literacy program. Click here to participate, and please deliver all books to Room to Grow by September 21.
Summer | 2012
Benefits for Babies
Gather your friends for a cocktail party, BBQ, baby shower or night of bowling and help raise support and awareness of Room to Grow. Visit our Benefits for Babies page for more fun ideas, like creating a lemonade stand with a child in your life.
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| SAVE THE DATE |
 December 7 | 2012
Room to Grow Fall Gala
The Westin Copley Place
Join us on Friday, December 7, for a festive night to benefit babies born into poverty as we honor Paul Grogan of the Boston Foundation for his legendary commitment to our city and passion for strengthening our neighborhoods. For more information, email mechilia@roomtogrow.org.
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WHAT WE NEED NOW
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 While you're enjoying the summer sun, we're gearing up for winter! Please help the babies in our program stay warm this winter by donating snowsuits and coats size newborn to 24 months, boys' long sleeve shirts size newborn to 5T, and boys' sneakers up to size 6. For a complete list of items we urgently need visit our website www.roomtogrow.org.
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