Way to Grow

Education Is Power Panelist Spotlight Way to Grow is thrilled to welcome Alexandria Ang, a dedicated youth mental health advocate and content creator, to our upcoming panel discussion on the topic “Empowered Parents Empower Children.” For Alex, the journey to mental health advocacy started with a book. A chance encounter with a story in a Little Free Library gave her the words she needed to talk about her own mental health. Today, she’s working to change how young people access stories that help them feel seen and understood. Her impact speaks for itself—Alex was among 30 creators invited to the Mental Health Youth Action Forum at the White House in 2022. She has served on NAMI’s youth mental health board and was honored with the 2024 Young Innovators in Behavioral Health Award. She continues to elevate conversations around mental health through her podcast, “a is for anxious: a podcast diary.” Join us for a powerful conversation on how families, educators, and communities can work together to create meaningful change. Moderated by our CEO, Coco Du, this discussion is one you won’t want to miss! ?? Panel Discussion: Empowered Parents Empower Children ?? Visit www.waytogrow.org/eip for tickets! ??? Wednesday, May 14 | 11:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. ?? Minneapolis Institute of Art

Kim is one of our dedicated team members at Way to Grow, and her favorite children’s book is "Bread and Jam for Frances" by Russell Hoban. ?? Why does she love it? “Frances learns lessons in a humorous fashion,” Kim shares. This classic story follows Frances as she insists on eating only bread and jam—until she discovers the joy of trying new things! Stories like these help children explore important life lessons in a fun and engaging way. Which childhood book is just as delicious as when you first read it? #NationalReadingMonth

Did you know that Way to Grow’s commitment to early childhood education goes beyond home visits and school readiness? Through Family Engagement, we offer fun, interactive opportunities for families to learn, grow, and connect with one another. Whether it’s literacy nights, baby showers, parent workshops, or community game nights, our goal is to support the whole family, because when families are engaged, children thrive.

Way to Grow’s Family Educators are at the heart of our mission. Today, we celebrate Paris, whose love for learning and deep compassion shape the work she does every day. Growing up, Paris's mother instilled a love of curiosity in her by encouraging Paris to explore everything, from reading to art, museums to nature, and much, much more. This foundation led Paris to become a passionate advocate for families, meeting them with kindness and support. "I’ve learned how to meet people where they are, without judgment, and with genuine love," she shares. Paris knows that parents play a key role in shaping how children regulate emotions, learn, and grow. Her message to families: “How you emotionally respond and regulate will directly impact how your child learns to do so.” Just as her mother once opened the world for her, Paris now does the same for the children and families she meets every day. Thank you, Paris, for your dedication to learning, compassion, and community!

Way to Grow is looking for a Brand and Communications Specialist to help share our mission and connect with our community. If you or someone you know would be a great fit, visit our careers page to learn more at waytogrow.org/careers! #HiringNow

Celebrate National Reading Month with Way to Grow as we share our staff’s favorite childhood books all throughout March! ?? Alison’s pick is “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White. She loves how "Fern was able to save Wilbur and how they became friends." It’s a timeless story of kindness, bravery, and friendship that continues to inspire readers of all ages. Are you a fan of Wilbur, Fern, or Charlotte? Who's your favorite character? #EducationIsPower

Parental mental health is a critical yet often overlooked factor in child development and family well-being. At Way to Grow’s Education Is Power luncheon, a panel of local experts will explore the challenges families face, the systems that shape their experiences, and the opportunities we have to drive meaningful change. This year’s panel, “Empowered Parents Empower Children,” brings together leaders in mental health, public policy, and community advocacy to share their expertise, lived experiences, and research-backed strategies for strengthening support for parents and caregivers. Moderated by Way to Grow CEO Coco Du, this discussion will offer valuable insights and actionable solutions for those committed to advancing education equity and family well-being in Minnesota. Meet our panelists: ·??????Alexandria Ang, Youth Mental Health Advocate and Content Creator ·??????Commissioner Tikki Brown, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families ·??????Brandon Jones, Executive Director at Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health ·??????Ronel Robinson, Program Director at Way to Grow Join us as we engage in this important conversation and deepen our collective commitment to ensuring every family has the opportunity to thrive. ?? May 14, 2025 | Minneapolis Institute of Art ?? Follow the QR code to register today!

March is National Reading Month, and we’re celebrating with our staff’s childhood favorites. ?? Guadalupe’s favorite is “The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister. She shares, “This book was special to me as it taught me the importance of generosity and how sharing can make you feel connected to others.” Which book made an impact on you?

Last week, members of The Rotary Club of Minneapolis (Club 9) visited Way to Grow for a special volunteer event! Kim, Robin, Jim, Brian, and Beth generously gave their time to help assemble gift bags and prepare materials for our Community Baby Shower, which took place this week. We are so grateful for their support and advocacy of Way to Grow’s mission—helping families thrive through home visits and individualized educational plans. The Rotary Club 9’s commitment to service perfectly aligns with our work, and we are honored to partner with such a dedicated group of community leaders. A huge thank you to Rotary Club 9 for putting their values—Learn, Connect, Serve—into action. ?? ?? Learn more about Way to Grow and how you can get involved: https://lnkd.in/gSu5JbzA

Empowered Parents Empower Children. ?? Mental health is at the heart of family well-being, and the need for action has never been greater. Join us May 14 for Way to Grow’s annual Education Is Power luncheon, where our esteemed panelists will explore the realities families face, share strategies for resilience, and discuss how communities, educators, and policymakers can work together to create meaningful change. Your sponsorship fuels this vital conversation and helps Way to Grow provide free, year-round family support and educational programming for families in Minneapolis and the surrounding communities. Opportunities start at $750, and every contribution makes a difference. When parents are supported, families thrive! ?? ?? To become an EIP sponsor, follow the QR code or visit us at www.waytogrow.org/eip ?? Wednesday, May 14, 2025 ?? Minneapolis Institute of Art ?? 11:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. (Program begins at noon.)