Benefiting from one-on-one learning with Shany, Fadumo excelled all throughout her entire academic career-from elementary school all the way to Hamline University- and credits her time with Shany as a reminder of how she can succeed. Though her time with Way to Grow was nearly two decades ago, the impact on her education has remained through the present. Shany, her Family Educator, knew Fadumo since before she was born! Graduating from our program in 2005, Fadumo told an enraptured audience how Shany’s presence in her life at such a young age has impacted her to this very day. Next to the stage was Fadumo, Way to Grow alum and recent Hamline University graduate. Taking the stage in a room of a crowd of over 360 people, Emmanuel read the following poignant verses from Amanda Gorman’s children’s book, “Change Sings”:Įmmanuel’s story and progress shows what we know: Way to Grow’s program works on children and has immediate benefits to the family, child, and the community. After completing his kindergarten-readiness assessment, he tested perfectly… and skipped kindergarten, going right into the first grade! When they first met, Emmanuel hid under the table! But with persistence and hard work, Emmanuel grew to trust Anima and learned the alphabet one letter at a time.
On Friday, October 14th at our Shine Celebration Gala, we heard about the longevity of Way to Grow’s impact from our two special guests, Emmanuel and Fadumo.Įmmanuel, a current Way to Grow first grader, has been working hard with his Family Educator Amina since 2020. Way to Grow’s uniquely customized home visiting program addresses education inequity in the Twin Cities and surrounding communities by supporting early learners in the present and putting families on the path to success-from third grade graduation and beyond. Way to Grow provides parents and caregivers the tools they need to be their child’s #1 teacher, encouraging parents and children to advocate for themselves throughout their educational journey. When she grows up, Destiny wants to be an artist-and, with determination like hers, anything is possible!įor over 30 years, Way to Grow has worked with families in the Twin Cities, providing high-impact, early childhood and elementary education to help children and families succeed in school and life. When Destiny isn’t in school, she’s probably playing with her turtles, Bobby and Steve, having snacks at the YMCA, or leapfrogging across your local library. These days, Destiny is excelling in her studies at KIPP Academy. “He’s always warm – it’s comfortable, genuine support.” Sharla explains that Tony is always checking in with her family to offer resources and support: “It’s never overwhelming,” says Sharla. Tony was there to offer support and answer questions for every step of the process. Adjusting to kindergarten at a brand new school was difficult at first, but Mr. When Destiny graduated from Way to Grow’s Preschool Pals in 2022, she was ready to start her next big adventure. “Over time, Destiny became more confident in herself and started to join in small group activities.” Tony, Destiny and Sharla’s Family Educator. “Both Destiny and Sharla would attend nearly every week,” remembers Mr. After a bit of research, Sharla and Destiny began attending Play to Grow groups with other Way to Grow families. Her mom, Sharla, laughs: “Sometimes I call her auntie,” she says, “because she has an older soul.”ĭestiny’s journey with Way to Grow began when she was just two years old, pointing out the Way to Grow Preschool Pals bus each time it drove past her Minneapolis home. With a special love of painting pictures and reciting pages from her favorite book, Chrysanthemum, Destiny is bright, talented, and determined to be a leader.
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