TrainingGrounds

So excited that the Imagination Library is available to all zip codes in NOLA! Any family can register and receive a free book in the mail once a month until their child turns 5!! My little guy was so excited to receive his book in the mail! I mean, look at that SMILE! ?????? This Saturday, March 22, from 11 am- 1 pm, at 2200 Lafitte Ave, join TrainingGrounds, the Krewe of Dolly, and other community partners as we celebrate this expansion of the Imagination Library program to more zip codes! Share this free opportunity with the community and promote literacy in the New Orleans Metro today! https://lnkd.in/dxbbsBmH

Every moment spent in early education shapes a brighter future ??. High-quality early childhood education not only reduces the need for special education services and grade retentions ??, but also increases the chances of high school graduation ??. Investing in childcare today empowers the leaders of tomorrow, fostering curiosity, confidence, and compassion from the very start. Let's build a strong foundation together – support early education and create lasting change! ?? @Clover New Orleans @Home Grown @Be Nola - Black Education for New Orleans @The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) @Jae Hale @The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children #MakeACircle #EarlyEducationMatters #ChildCareIsEssential #ChildCareImpactsEveryone #LAEarlyEdMonth

We are a proud partner of the Junior League of New Orleans and will be a diaper distributor. Together, we’re helping to ensure families in our community have access to the essentials they need. Starting this Tuesday, supplemental diapers will be available to qualifying families. Pick up will be Tuesdays 10am-12pm or 2pm-4pm. Families must complete forms upon arrival to receive diapers. Junior League of New Orleans #CommunitySupport #DiaperDistribution #JuniorLeagueNOLA #ParentSupport

??? In December 2024, TrainingGrounds had the pleasure of hosting a special screening of the award-winning film "MAKE A CIRCLE". This powerful story amplifies the voices of early childhood educators advocating for better pay while recognizing families' financial challenges. The event featured a panel of community leaders discussing local challenges in early childhood education, sharing insights on innovative solutions, and celebrating collaboration in the greater New Orleans area. As we celebrate Early Education Month, let’s carry these vital conversations forward and work toward a system where educators are valued, families are supported, and every child thrives. ?? Clover New Orleans Home Grown Be Nola - Black Education for New Orleans The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) Jae Hale The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children #MakeACircle #ChildcareMatters #CommunityImpact #NOLACommunity #LAEarlyEdMonth #EarlyEducationMonth #AdvocacyThroughAction #MakeACircleFilm #SupportEarlyEducators #EquityInEducation

As we welcome 2025, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible support of our community. Because of you, we’ve empowered families, strengthened connections, and created safe spaces for growth. Let’s continue to make a difference together this year! Here’s to a year of growth, resilience, and thriving families! #HappyNewYear #ThankYou #TrainingGrounds

?? A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the MAKE A CIRCLE film screening! Your presence and support mean the world to us as we work toward creating meaningful change for families and childcare providers in New Orleans. To our incredible sponsors – Together, we’re building a brighter future for our community, one step at a time. ?? Let’s continue this journey of advocacy and action! Clover New Orleans Home Grown Be Nola - Black Education for New Orleans The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) #MakeACircle #ChildcareMatters #CommunityImpact #NOLACommunity

TrainingGrounds, Clover, & Home Grown would like to extend sincere gratitude to our sponsors for the film-screening of MAKE A CIRCLE! Together, we’re creating a brighter future! ? Clover New Orleans Home Grown Be Nola - Black Education for New Orleans The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) #Gratitude #CommunitySupport #MakeACircle #SupportEarlyEducators

Join us in a special screening of the award-winning film, MAKE A CIRCLE.?? ?? Thursday, December 12th ?? 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM ?? Clover, 1600 Constance St, New Orleans, LA 70130 Enjoy dinner followed by an engaging panel discussion featuring: ? Jen Bradwell - Filmmaker ? Thelma Harris French - Total Community Action, Inc. ? Zakenya Neely - National Association for Family Childcare ? Asya Howlette - Office of Youth and Families ? Anthonika Gidney - Former Family Childcare Provider Register now via the QR code or click this link! https://buff.ly/3Vrt8mo Let’s come together to support early educators and reimagine childcare. Clover New Orleans Home Grown #MakeACircle #SupportEarlyEducators #ChildcareMatters #CommunityEvent #NOLAChildcare

At TrainingGrounds, we witness Ashley’s dedication and leadership making a lasting impact every day, and we’re so proud to support her journey in the Greater New Orleans Foundation 2024-2025 Emerging Leaders Program. Congratulations, Ashley—we’re cheering you on every step of the way! #CommunityImpact #NewOrleans #CommunityBuilding

Yesterday, the New Orleans City Council recognized TrainingGrounds for its impactful work in strengthening our community. Melanie Richardson, MSW, LMSW, Co-founder & CEO, highlighted TrainingGrounds' mission to support parents in building strong connections with their children and fostering healthy development, ensuring that every child from birth to age five has the foundation for a bright future. Ashley Butler, Director of Programming and Operations, and Andre Apparicio Dadvocate/ Reentry Specialist, Outreach and Event Planner, shared how the We PLAY Center deeply influenced their parenting journeys and continues to inspire the work they do today. Thank you, the New Orleans City Council and Jean-Paul Morrell, for inviting us to share our mission and for recognizing the importance of this work! #CommunityImpact #FamilySupport #EarlyChildhoodMatters #ParentEmpowerment #StrongerCommunities