Bright Beginnings Child Development Center for Homeless Children

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Giving your time and talent is one of the most rewarding ways you can support the mission of Bright Beginnings.

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Have you ever wondered where children living in shelters go during the day? Where do they learn? Where do they play? Where do they go to feel safe? Bright Beginnings understands the special needs of young children and families living in homeless environments. Our safe, nurturing, developmentally-appropriate childcare for homeless infants, toddlers and preschoolers helps them reach important childhood milestones, while we help their parents to end their homelessness.

White House honors Bright Beginnings Parent!

Bright Beginnings, Inc. congratulates Louis Limes, a homeless parent who was honored by the White House Fatherhood Initiative on December 13, 2011 for his dedication and commitment to being a positive presence for his family and community. These local fathers were honored as Champions of Change, everyday heroes who are strengthening their families and their communities. Mr. Limes was one of 12 Washington, DC fathers honored by the White House and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for their positive influence on their families and communities. Mr. Limes spoke about fatherhood and his goals as a father at a roundtable, which is a part of the president’s Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative and the “Year of Strong Fathers, Strong Families” that President Obama announced in June 2011.
See full press release.

Bright Beginnings: One of the region's best small nonprofits!

Bright Beginnings has once again been selected as one of the region's best small nonprofits by the Catalogue for Philanthropy. We are honored to be featured as one of 70 nonprofits in the region making a difference in our community! Please see Bright Beginnings' listing in the 2011-2012 Catalogue.

Executive Director Dr. Betty Jo Gaines selected as Purpose Prize Fellow!

The Bright Beginnings family congratulates Executive Director Dr. Betty Jo Gaines who was recently named a Purpose Prize Fellow, a prestigious award recognizing individuals over 60 working to correct a social problem in their “encore career” and ranking among the best in the nation. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Gaines on this impressive award.

Another Bright Beginning

Takeah
Takeah was six months old when she enrolled in Bright Beginnings’ infant care program. Her parents were trying to care for her and two older siblings but neither parent was living in permanent housing. Takeah’s mother wasn’t working and had substance abuse problems. She didn’t take very good care of Takeah, who was undernourished and frequently was not bathed well. The social services team and her teachers worked with her parents to teach proper childcare and nutrition for each stage of Takeah’s development.

Read more about Takeah

Charles
Charles has been at Bright Beginnings less than a year. When he enrolled, his speech was unintelligible and he was diagnosed with cognitive delays, which were addressed by our onsite therapeutic and social services staff. Now, at age two-and-a-half, he speaks well and uses adjectives, describing school as "delicious" and "tasty." Charles loves all kinds of animals, particularly polar bears, tigers and alligators.

Read more about Charles

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