Empowering Tomorrow: How the Mark Enlow Family Foundation is Transforming Lives with North Bay Children's Center

On September 12, 2024, North Bay Children's Center (NBCC) marked a major milestone in their mission to provide high-quality early education with the Topping Off Ceremony for their new Child Development Center. This event symbolized the completion of the building's structure—a project that stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for thousands of children and families in the North Bay area. I had the honor of attending the ceremony and it was a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when we come together to support a cause that truly matters—the future of our children. Seeing this project take shape has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud that the Mark Enlow Family Foundation has played a role in making it happen.

Over the years, our foundation has contributed more than $500,000 to NBCC, an organization that I believe is doing transformative work for children and families in our community. For me, this isn’t just about donations or dollars; it’s about investing in the future. I’ve always believed that "the future of every child is worth it." And when you look at the facts, it’s clear that there are more than a million reasons to support NBCC.

The Importance of Early Childhood Education

Education is one of the most powerful tools that can change lives. It’s not just about preparing children for kindergarten; it’s about giving them the foundation to succeed in school, in their careers, and in life. The statistics speak volumes. According to NBCC, “Children who participate in high-quality early education programs are 31% more likely to graduate high school, 80% more likely to attend college, and 23% more likely to secure stable employment as adults.” These aren’t just numbers—they represent real kids, real families, and real futures that are being changed for the better.

In Sonoma County alone, 2,000 children are waiting for subsidized early education, and in Marin County, 800 families are on waitlists for affordable childcare. That’s thousands of children who are at risk of missing out on the benefits of early learning, simply because they can’t access the programs they need. This is why NBCC’s work is so crucial, and why I’m so committed to supporting them.

Why I Support NBCC

When I first got involved with NBCC, I was struck by the passion and dedication of their team. They aren’t just providing childcare—they are shaping the futures of young children by offering a safe, nurturing environment where learning and development can thrive. They are giving working parents peace of mind, knowing their children are in good hands while they support their families.

Through the Mark Enlow Family Foundation, my goal has always been to support initiatives that make a real, lasting impact. NBCC is one of those organizations. The funds we’ve contributed have gone toward critical areas like expanding their facilities, enhancing their programs, and providing financial aid to families who need it most. Seeing how these resources are being put to work makes me proud—not just of the foundation, but of the community we’re building together.

One of the most exciting projects I’ve been a part of is NBCC’s new Child Development Center, which is now structurally complete. This facility is going to change the lives of so many children and families. It’s designed to be a space where kids can grow, learn, and explore in an environment that fosters creativity and development. For parents who have been struggling to find affordable, high-quality care, this center will be a lifeline.

Why Early Childhood Education Is Worth It?

The reason I’m so passionate about early childhood education is because I believe it’s one of the most impactful investments we can make—not just in individual children, but in society. Here’s why:

• It improves educational outcomes. When children have access to early education, they’re far more likely to succeed later in life. As I mentioned earlier, they’re 31% more likely to graduate high school and 80% more likely to go on to college.
• It creates economic opportunity. Children who receive a strong early education foundation are 23% more likely to be employed as adults, which can break cycles of poverty and provide economic stability for families.
• It strengthens communities. When children succeed, entire communities benefit. More educated individuals contribute to the economy, rely less on social services, and become role models for future generations.
• It supports working families. Affordable childcare is essential for parents who need to stay in the workforce. Without it, many families are forced to choose between providing for their children and caring for them.

These are just a few of the reasons why supporting NBCC is so important, and why I’m committed to continuing this partnership. I believe that by investing in early childhood education, we’re not only giving kids a better start—we’re giving them a better future.

Looking to the Future

In many ways, early childhood education is the great equalizer. Children who attend high-quality programs are more likely to succeed in school, graduate, attend college, and secure stable employment. These outcomes are not just statistics—they represent the future of our communities. Yet, without access to affordable early care, many children are at risk of falling behind before they even enter kindergarten.?

Looking ahead, the new Child Development Center will serve as a hub for learning, growth, and development. It will provide a safe and nurturing environment where children can explore, discover, and build the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. For families in Sonoma and Marin counties, it represents a lifeline—an opportunity to give their children a better future. As NBCC’s new center gets ready to open its doors, I’m filled with hope for the future because it represents so much more than a building—it’s a place where children will have the opportunity to thrive, where parents will find support, and where our community will continue to grow stronger.

I’m incredibly proud of the work NBCC is doing and the role the Mark Enlow Family Foundation has been able to play in making this vision a reality. My belief in the importance of early childhood education is rooted in the understanding that the future of our society depends on the opportunities we provide to the next generation. These are families who deserve a chance at a brighter future, and it’s up to all of us to help make that happen.

A Call to Action?

As I reflect on the partnership between my foundation and NBCC, I’m reminded that none of this would be possible without the support of others. Philanthropy is a team effort, and there are countless ways to get involved and make a difference. Whether it’s through financial contributions, volunteering your time, or advocating for policies that support early education, there’s a role for everyone to play.?

I encourage you to consider how you can help. Organizations like NBCC need our support to continue their life-changing work. Together, we can ensure that every child can succeed. As I like to say, “Every child's potential is a promise to the future—it's our responsibility to nurture that promise today.”?

If you’d like to learn more about how you can support NBCC or get involved with the Mark Enlow Family Foundation, I invite you to visit NBCC’s website or reach out to my foundation directly. Let’s continue to build a brighter future for our children, our community, and generations to come.

Thank you for being part of this journey.