Florence Crittenton News — October, 2009
Newsletter Archives
In this issue:
Hugs & Bubbles
Mary Palafox (pictured right) is one of nearly 30 volunteers who recently shared hugs and bubbles with infants and toddlers at FCS’ Hayes Valley Childcare Center. “I love little kids and babies,” Mary says. “They are always fund, even when they’re crying.”
Mary, Director of Customs for Levi Strauss & Co, and other thoughtful volunteers from Merrill Lynch, Bank of America, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and Wells Fargo Bank took part in a “Hug a Child” program during the United Way of the Bay Area’s annual Week of Caring.
Across the Bay, hundreds of volunteers visited scores of nonprofits. At FCS, a half-dozen spent three morning hours each day learning about early childhood education.
Across the Bay, hundreds of volunteers visited scores of nonprofits. At FCS, a half-dozen spent three morning hours each day learning about early childhood education.
“I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed my morning,” says Valera Robertson of Wells Fargo. “The toddlers and infants kept me moving and captured my heart. They enjoyed my singing and I cannot sing.”
For more than 25 years, Crittenton Childcare has provided subsidized, high-quality child care and education. At the Hope VI low-income housing project in Hayes Valley and within more than 20 home-based providers (called the Family Child Care Network), FCS serves almost 100 children every year.
Moreover, studies show the return on investment in childcare can be as high as 17 to 1.
“The best way to improve the American workforce of the 21st Century is to invest in early education, to ensure that even the most disadvantaged children have the opportunity to succeed alongside their peers,” notes James Heckman, Nobel Laureate in Economics, in a recent Bay Area Business Council report entitled, “Key to Economic Success in the 21st Century: Investment in Early Childhood Programs.”
Grand Opening On Evans
FCS is now able to serve more children with the opening of a new child development center on Evans Avenue in San Francisco. Part of a partnership between FCS, Mission Neighborhood Centers and A. P. A. Family Support Centers, the Southeast Families United Child Development Center will provide a continuum of early care, education and support for children ages 0-5 and their families. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and Supervisors David Campos and Sophie Maxwell were on hand for the opening ceremonies on September 24th. Newsom, a strong advocate of child care, has said, "There is no question that early child development affects return on investment in every conceivable way."
FCS Board Retreat
On a recent rainy Saturday in September, FCS board and staff directors met in Mill Valley for a daylong retreat to discuss programs and future planning. After a morning session of program evaluation and goal-setting, attendees shared a potluck lunch. It was a chance for board members and department directors, who usually don't have much contact, to get to know one another. The day was time well spent, according to Mim Carlson, FCS' Interim Executive Director.
"I feel like we've established a good direction to all of our programs," she says. "That's especially important in these trying times for non-profits. Our supporters want to know that we have the clarity and focus to keep effectively meeting the needs of our clients."
