Fall Newsletter 2024

Exciting Fall Updates: New Building, Partnerships, and More!

Dear friends, 

We’re excited to share our recent and upcoming events with you this fall season! We will be commemorating Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a community event, and Haley Wiggins, our Executive Director, will take on a new role in the EARN Project. We’ve also strengthened our connections with HIPPY Australia, celebrated summer highlights, and toured our new building.

Continue reading to discover a student spotlight, learn about our new partnership with Project Pink Tax, and find out how you can support us in our urgent need for diapers! 

Thank you for being part of our Family! 

---

Upcoming events 

On this #DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth, we will be hosting a panel event on October 18th at 525 Newton St NW, Washington, DC 20010. The event, held in Spanish, will focus on discussing the various forms of domestic violence and its impact on mental and physical health. Attendees will also have access to valuable resources and support networks available in our community. 

Our panel will have the participation of Dr. Claudia Campos, our Executive Director Haley Wiggins, a powerful testimony from a survivor and representatives from key organizations such as DC SAFE, Mary’s Center, Office on Latino Affairs, and  La Clínica del Pueblo. 

Join us or help spread the word in the community about this important initiative to raise awareness of domestic violence.

---

Enhancing Educational Access: Haley Wiggins’ New Role in the EARN Project

We are proud to announce that our Executive Director, Haley Wiggins, will serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the next iteration of OCTAE’s Enhancing Access for Refugees and New Americans (EARN) project. This initiative aims to provide guidance on technical assistance activities and resources that support the use of an immigrant integration approach in adult education. 

The EARN project will run from 2024 to 2026, with SMEs providing ongoing input to inform, develop, and review project activities and materials. Our participation in this initiative offers an opportunity to support the development of immigrant integration quality indicators for adult education, share our expertise and insights, and contribute to the promotion of equity in education for immigrant families. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting initiative! 

---

Summer Highlights 

Strengthening Connections: HIPPY Australia Visit 

On July 26, we had the honor of hosting the Director of HIPPY Australia at our facility! 🚀 We showcased our work at The Family Place, shared our history, and discussed our HIPPY program in DC. 

During the visit, we also explored ideas from the book “Youngest Minds”, written by our founder, Dr. Ann Barnet. The Director emphasized the book’s insights on how the preschool years are critical in children’s lives, as their brains develop more rapidly than at any other time. It was a visit that inspires us to keep moving forward and collaborating! 

---

Creating Joyful Moments with Our Participants!

We’ve had an incredible few months filled with enriching experiences! Our summer program was a success, we visited the zoo, water park and had a week dedicated to staff professional development, among other activities. 

Thanks to all our participants, staff, donors, and partners for making this summer so special. Your contributions have truly made a difference!  

Take a look at our summer memories! 

---

Visit New Building

On September 25th, we had the pleasure of giving our Board and Advisory Committee members an exclusive preview of our new facility, set to be completed by 2026. The event featured a guided tour of the construction site, allowing them to see the progress firsthand, followed by a dynamic discussion on how this expansion will enhance and extend our services. 

They enjoyed exploring the art gallery and viewing posters of the building plans. Guests walked around, engaged with the architects who shared insights about the project, and took pictures, all while feeling the energy and enthusiasm for what’s ahead.

Stay tuned for more updates and upcoming opportunities to preview our plans as we continue with this transformative project! 

---

Supporting Women: Our New Partnership with Project Pink Tax

On July 26, we celebrated our partnership with Project Pink Tax, which will be donating feminine products to us every month. Access to these essential items is crucial, as many women in our community face challenges due to the scarcity of hygiene products.  

Thank you for helping to ensure the well-being of women and supporting equitable access to hygiene products in our community! 

---

Student Spotlight

Meet Graciela Moreno

She is an English as a Second Language (ESL) student who has just completed an apprenticeship with us, made possible by the OSSE Grant! 👏

Graciela’s hard work and commitment have been inspiring. We’re proud to celebrate her achievements and look forward to her future successes! 

---

Babies need your help today!

Do you know that in the U.S 48% of families delayed changing a dirty diaper to make their supply last longer and that 35% reported cutting back on their food expenses to afford diapers?  

You can help our community families and their children by donating diapers of all sizes through our Amazon Wishlist or dropping them off at our building: 3309 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20010.  

Thank you for making an impact today! Together, we can provide the essentials that will change lives.  

As always, THANK YOU!!!  

---

Subscribe to our mailing list