Spring Newsletter

The Family Place
Jun 12
3 min read

Updated: Jun 16

Spring Newsletter – TFP Updates

Spring is moving quickly, bringing professional development training to strengthen our child development programs, new partnerships to open even more doors for students, and opportunities to speak directly with our elected officials to advocate for education in DC.

Keep reading to learn more about supporting TFP’s upcoming fundraising event for our Early Childhood Development Center, honoring Dr. Ann Barnet.

Thank you for being part of our Family!

What We’ve Been Up To

Strengthening Our HIPPY Program

On January 23rd, our HIPPY Coordinator, Idis Argueta, and our Director of Children’s Programs Thomas Selishev participated in a week-long training for coordinators in Baltimore. In addition, our team attended the 2025 HIPPY USA National Conference in Baltimore early in April. These experiences allowed them to connect with educators and advocates, exploring innovative strategies in early childhood education. We are proud to be part of this national movement that empowers parents as their children’s most important teachers!

Training like these helps us grow and do an even better job supporting the kids and families in our community.

Exploring College Paths with College Board

On February 28th, College Board visited our school to share valuable information about college opportunities with our Child Development Associate program (CDA) students. It was great to have them at our building and learn about resources that will allow our students to continue their education!

Opening Doors Through Literacy:New Grant Announcement

Exciting News! We are honored to receive the National Home Library Foundation Grant to distribute books and support our HIPPY and early intervention literacy programs. These funds will help us bring the love of reading and essential literacy skills into more family homes.

Thank you, NHLF, for your continued support!

Real Stories, Real Impact:Advocacy That Moves Our City Forward

Every year, our students and staff step up to share how education funding changes lives—their own, their families, and their communities. Their testimonies before the DC Council put a human face on policy decisions and show that adult education is not just a service, but an opportunity for economic growth in our city.

We thank everyone who has advocated with us and those who will testify this year. Your stories matter, and your voices help shape a more equitable future for all.

Now more than ever we should remain informed and engaged. Follow the local budget process, contact your representatives, and advocate for strong support of adult education programs.

Save the Date!

Oct 5, 2025

Our biggest fundraising event of the year is coming. On October 5th, we will host a special celebration honoring Dr. Ann Barnet’s work and marking The Family Place’s 45th anniversary of empowering our community. This event will help us raise funds for our new Early Childhood Development Center in our new building.

Stay tuned for more updates on this important occasion, where you will have the opportunity to support access to essential services and education for low-income families and their children in Washington, D.C.

Volunteer Spotlight

April was National Volunteer Month, we want to thank our volunteers for their passion and service to our organization and the families we serve. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

We also want to give a special shoutout to a few of our amazing volunteers:

🌟 Janet, who supported four students in our citizenship class — and all four passed their test in March! What an inspiring accomplishment!

🌟 María Lameiro, one of our longest-serving and most beloved volunteers in the Foundations of Literacy program.

🌟 Dawn Bennett Ingold, a Foundations of Literacy volunteer whose commitment and care make a meaningful impact each week.

Join Our Volunteer Opportunities! Enjoy giving back, building new skills, and becoming part of a caring community — all on your schedule. With flexible shifts starting at just one hour a day, you can make a difference in a way that works for you. Take a look at the programs and activities where your support can have an impact

Did you know?

90% of a child’s brain develops by age 5! 🧠That is why early learning experiences are so important—they help build cognitive skills, social-emotional growth, and strong foundations for future success.

At The Family Place, our Early Childhood Education program help children develop essential skills in gross motor coordination, cognitive growth, language, and early literacy and numeracy.

📚 Support our ECE program here