Birth-to-Five makes annual appeal to the community.

Dear Friends,

As we close out our 20th year as a vital part of this community, we have been given an incredible opportunity.  Just as we have counted on your partnership these past 20 years, we are counting on you now.

Perhaps, you are not familiar with Birth-to-Five, Inc. and the life changing work we are doing in the community.  May I share a story with you that I think will you get to know us a little better?

Bella was born premature to a teen mom.  She arrived into the world small and with the flu virus.  Her mother, Ann*, who lived at home with her parents, was made aware of the disadvantage her child had in the beginning of life.  Ann sought out Birth-to-Five, Inc. to help her understand the developmental delays her daughter might face and to learn how she could help her.  At six months, Bella could not sit up, or do any of the things which would be expected of a six month old child.  Through the support of their Parent Educator who helped with monthly activities and connected Ann to other  resources in the community that provided speech, physical, and occupational therapy, this child crawled for the first time at the age of 2 years old.  Ann is continuing to learn how to help Bella reach her goals and to interact with a child that will continue to need lifelong services. 

The Quigg Family Foundation has challenged us to raise $20,000 by the end of the year.  When we do, they will match our gifts dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000.  The money we raise will allow the trained, caring staff at Birth-to-Five, Inc. to continue to provide free services to families in Wayne County.

This is an amazing and timely opportunity.  Our state and federal funding has been reduced and will continue to be in 2012, while the need for our services has been on the increase.  This money would enable us to make up the shortfall that we have experienced by this loss and allow us to continue to visit the families we currently serve and to reach out to the “Bellas” who are in need of our support.

We know that in this economy, money is tight and we want you to know that no gift is too small and every gift will help us to meet this generous challenge from the Quigg Family Foundation.  To the families who count on Birth-to-Five, Inc. to support them in their most challenging role of parenting, your gift is a life saver!

P.S.  In partnership with the Wayne County Foundation, we are able to receive your online gift.  Visit waynecountyfoundation.org and click the “donate now” button to make your credit card gift.

Greg Lardi

Board President

Portia Villafuerte

Executive Director