Room to Grow NEW YORK
Fall 2015 NEWS
ExecutiveDirector
Dear Friends,

A recent article in The Stanford Social Innovation Review asserts, "philanthropy can and must demonstrate what works to improve kindergarten readiness for low-income children and thereby encourage ever smarter -- and hopefully larger -- public investments to equip our newest generation to thrive in school and life." 

Room to Grow is grateful for your partnership as we meet this challenge through our investment in the earliest years: zero to three. Our unique approach cultivates important improvements in child development, parent education, and family stability -- increasing the probability that children will meet their full potential in school, employment, and citizenship. As we celebrate the success of 2015, we look forward to continuing to give babies born into poverty a brighter future. We thank you for your support and wish you all the best as we approach the end of this year!

Warmly,
Allyson Crawford
Executive Director, New York



MeasuresUp How Room to Grow Measures Up
Redefine Redefining Success at the Power Breakfast
ToyDrive
Play Matters
As this year comes to a close, we are celebrating the success Room to Grow families have achieved. Our families are 2x more likely to read together daily, and 90% of our parents voice an increase in their confidence as caretakers.

Our annual fundraising breakfast, held at City Winery on October 21st, was a morning full of inspiration. Arianna Huffington, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Huffington Post, spoke about redefining success through well-being, wisdom, and giving. Her powerful message, "giving is an essential part of a full life," seemed to resonate with the entire audience, helping us raise over $100,000 to support our families. Thank you to everyone who attended!

Children develop, imagine, grow, and learn through play. Help us build strong foundations for future learning and success by giving the gift of play this season. 

Participate in our Annual Holiday Toy Drive and donate new or nearly new toys, purchase toys, organize a drive, or shop B kids to support Room to Grow. 







  Family Eva & Coleman's Story
Eva and Coleman were honored at the annual Power Breakfast for their strong commitment to family, and partnership with Room to Grow. In 2006, Eva immigrated from the Dominican Republic with dreams of pursuing her education. While in New York, she met Coleman, and in 2013, the couple joined the program when their daughter was born.

Reflecting on the phrase "it takes a village to raise a child," Eva and Coleman shared their gratitude for the "village" and support they have found at Room to Grow. The program has brought them together as a family, providing the tools and knowledge to become exceptional parents while facing numerous obstacles. Today, both parents have completed their college degrees, and Eva is a school teacher. They love nurturing their daughter's development and "look forward to a bright future in which she is able to fully explore her passions and potential." The family has found that sticking together, while fulfilling their ambitions, is the key to their success.

 



























"We've come a long way since we started with Room to Grow. 
And although circumstances don't necessarily get easier overnight, 
now we have the tools to weather the storm of life's difficult journey." 
-- Eva and Coleman



You can help families like Eva and Coleman's




For a second year in a row...

Would you like to volunteer? Room to Grow is seeking pro-bono graphic design support in information graphics or data visualization. Please contact Elaine Chow if you or someone you know is interested.

 
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Credits: Banner, How Room to Grow Measures Up & Play Matters: Nicole Chan Photography | Letter from Executive Director, Power Breakfast & Eva & Coleman's Story: Amy Pinard Photography