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LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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While Room to Grow is serving incrementally more Boston babies every year, the fact remains that 30,000 children in Boston under the age of five are growing up in poverty at risk for a lifetime of gaps in achievement. I am encouraged by the Obama administration's early learning agenda, along with other leaders prominently presenting scientific, economic and social evidence supporting the importance of early childhood education and stimulating understanding and awareness about the connection between quality early childhood experiences and lifelong positive outcomes. Effective intervention and support during the earliest years of life, such as that provided by Room to Grow, promotes school-readiness, reduces instances of incarceration and fosters productive participation in the workforce in adulthood.
The future of our children and our nation is depending on us. Your continued generosity will help us achieve our vision of ensuring that every baby has the strong foundation in life that they deserve.
Thank you for your support,
Robyn Carter, LICSW
Executive Director
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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
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When Lisa learned that her second daughter would be born with a cleft lip, she recognized a need for parenting support and enrolled in Room to Grow's program a month before Maria was born. At her three-month post-birth visit, Lisa confided in her social worker that she was nervous about Maria's upcoming reparative surgeries. Her older daughter was two-years-old at the time, and Lisa was reliant on help from family to care for the needs of both girls. At the six-month visit Maria had one surgery behind her. She was beginning to sit up and crawl but Lisa was hesitant to let her daughter explore, afraid she would damage the new skin. Lisa, unemployed for several years, wanted to go back to work but didn't trust anyone but family to take care of Maria's medical needs. In her Room to Grow visits Lisa learned to encourage her daughter's natural curiosity while maintaining safety at home, and practiced language for describing Maria's medical needs so that others could properly assist in her care. The clothing, books, equipment and toys provided by Room to Grow helped to offset Lisa's financial challenges and supported Maria's growth and development.
Maria is now two years old. She loves dancing, drawing and has recently learned how to somersault. She is enrolled in an early childhood education program and is excited to soon be transitioning to preschool. She is a healthy, happy and curious toddler who has thrived under her mother's care and attention. Lisa is interviewing for jobs and enrolled in school, aiming to complete her college degree in the Fall. Lisa looks back on the early days of Maria's life with gratitude for the parenting skills she has developed over time through the support she received from her family, her friends, and her social worker at Room to Grow.
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RECENT AND UPCOMING EVENTS
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May 10 | 2013
Celebrating Mothers Breakfast
In recognition of Mother's Day, Room to Grow held its fourth annual Celebrating Mothers Breakfast at the Taj Boston Hotel on Friday, May 10. This sold out benefit honored four inspirational Boston women. Sheila Marcelo, Founder and CEO of Care.com; Sharon McNally, Chief of Staff at the Connors Family Office; Kelli Pedroia, Community Volunteer and Wife of Red Sox Second Baseman Dustin Pedroia; and a recent Room to Grow graduate all spoke about their roles as moms and community leaders in Boston. This year's Celebrating Mothers Breakfast was our most successful to date, raising over $85,000 to help build strong foundations for babies in poverty.
July 8 | 2013
Rally4Babies
Room to Grow joined more than a dozen organizations in co-sponsoring Zero to Three's Rally4Babies: Learning Happens Right from the Start to educate Americans about the importance of early learning policies starting at birth and including babies and toddlers. Watch the rally here.
August - September | 2013
Back to School Book Drive
Join Room to Grow's Back to School Book Drive by donating new and lightly used books appropriate for newborns to age 3, in English and Spanish. Organize a collection drive, buy a book from our registry, or give financially to help us buy books at a discount for the children in our program. For more information click here.
September 12 | 2013
Young Professionals Council Launch Event at Seaport Hotel
Join other like-minded individuals for an evening of networking and learn more about the mission of our Young Professionals Council. Enjoy a light fare and drinks generously sponsored by Nicole Pirani and Blooms of Hope. For more information, email Jerri-Ann Archer at jerriann@roomtogrow.org.
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CALL TO ACTION
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Volunteer
To meet the needs of our growing client program, we will need more volunteer help than ever! Introduce Room to Grow to your friends and colleagues by scheduling a group event in our Boston office. The work of volunteers is crucial to our client program and we are in constant need of help. Call 617.859.4545 or email Jen Teague at jen@roomtogrow.org to schedule an event today!Support the Inventory Program
To help us access items on our floor-to-ceiling shelving units, Room to Grow needs a 6 ft. ladder. We are also searching for pro-bono storage space to help us accommodate baby gear we receive from generous companies. Send us you leads, and click here for a full list of our inventory urgent needs.
Make a Financial Gift
We are $35,000 away from reaching our annual campaign goal. A meaningful gift from you today will make a difference and help 400 babies this year get a better start in life. Click here to give.
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SAVE THE DATE
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 November 16 | 2013
Room to Grow Fall Gala
Boston Marriott Copley Place
Join us for our annual fundraiser to benefit babies born into poverty. The Fall Gala is a festive event that features a cocktail reception, silent auction and an inspirational program.
For more information about group ticketing or sponsorships, please contact Mechilia Salazar at mechilia@roomtogrow.org.
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