iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Your vote could help bring more bilingual nutrition and cooking classes to Way to Grow families! 🥕🧡 We’re a finalist for Seward Community Co op’s 2027 SEED Community Choice. Anyone can vote once per day, now through Oct. 15! 🍎 www.research.net/r/CommunityChoice2027 @umnextension.bsky.social

research.net

2027 Community Choice Survey

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Way to Grow joined CLUES, Community School of Excellence, and Youthprise at Target Field Friday night, where each organization received $12,500 from the @twinsbaseball.bsky.social and Thrivent! A HUGE thank you to everyone who voted and helped us get there! ⚾️🧡

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Get ready to move! 💃✨ Salsa del Soul is coming to Shine! The Twin Cities-based orchestra performs dance music from the Spanish-speaking regions of the Caribbean, including salsa, bachata, merengue, and more. ↓

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Cooler days are a great time to get outside. Running, jumping, dancing, and playing help children build strength, balance, and coordination. So zip up that jacket and let them move! #FamilyEducatorProTip #LearningThroughPlay #EarlyLearning

A smiling young girl wearing a pink hijab and colorful skirt dances with her arms raised while playing outside. Text reads, “Family Educator Pro Tip: Fall is made for moving!”

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Meet your 2026 Shine Celebration emcees! 🎤✨ Award-winning journalists, storytellers, and husband-and-wife team Alexis Rogers + Reggie Wilson are joining us on October 23! ↓

Black-and-white photo of Alexis Rogers and Reggie Wilson smiling together. Text reads: “Emcees. Alexis Rogers & Reggie Wilson. Award-winning journalists & owners, I Speak People.”

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Calling all ’90s kids! 📚 We’re revisiting some of the children’s books we loved growing up. Swipe through and then tell us: What book did we miss? 👀

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Learning and laughing go hand in hand! ☀️🧡

Three young children stand together in a classroom, laughing and making silly faces during a playful moment at school.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

WE DID IT! ⚾️🎉 5,000 votes. Grand Slam level. And $15,000 for Way to Grow children and families! Thank you to everyone who voted, shared, reminded a friend, and kept showing up. And a huge thank you to the Minnesota @twinsbaseball.bsky.social and @Thrivent for making At Bat for Impact possible. 🧡

Colorful “We did it!” graphic celebrating Way to Grow’s At Bat for Impact results. A baseball diamond highlights 5,000+ votes, $12,500 unlocked, and an additional $2,500 from Thrivent, for a total of $15,000 raised for Way to Grow.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

We’re thrilled to welcome Joshua Crosson, Executive Director of @edalliesmn.bsky.social as our keynote speaker for this year’s Shine Celebration! 🧡 Joshua has spent his career working to create better opportunities for Minnesota children and families. ↓

Black-and-white portrait of Joshua Crosson on a black background with a light blue accent. Text reads: “Keynote. Joshua Crosson. Executive Director, EdAllies.”

Orange background with white text introducing Joshua Crosson as a Minnesota executive who believes a great education is a human right and that every child should have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The text notes his work alongside organizations like Way to Grow to create more opportunities for children and families to thrive.

Light purple invitation graphic for the 2026 Shine Celebration on Friday, October 23 at 5:30 p.m. Text describes an evening rooted in the experiences of Way to Grow families and celebrating parents, early learning, community, and brighter futures for children. Tickets at waytogrow.org/shine.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

One vote. A few seconds. Let’s hit this one out of the park! ⚾️🧡 Vote every day through September 16 and help us unlock $12,500 for Twin Cities children and families, thanks to the @twins and @thrivent Vote today! www.mlb.com/twins/community/at-bat-for-impact #AtBatForImpact #FamilySupport

mlb.com

Twins x Thrivent At Bat For Impact | Minnesota Twins

Twins x Thrivent At Bat For Impact invites all fans attending each Twins regular season home game to vote among featured nonprofits.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Supporting a child means supporting the family. 🧡 Coco joined Mom Enough to talk about what that looks like through home visiting, partnership with families, and the many parts of life families navigate every day. 🎧 www.momenough.com/2026/09/family-support/

momenough.com

Why Early Childhood Family Support Helps Children Thrive

Coco Du discusses family-centered support, home visiting, and why integrated systems are essential to helping children and families thrive.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

What We Do Together Matters. 🧡 Five words that capture everything at the heart of Way to Grow. ↓

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Today we celebrate the joy of reading and all the ways literacy helps children learn, grow, and discover the world around them. 📚🧡 Happy International Literacy Day! #InternationalLiteracyDay #EarlyLiteracy

A smiling young Way to Grow graduate in a white cap and gown holds a copy of “Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!” by Mo Willems. Stacks of children’s books are visible nearby.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

A Friday night at the park with Way to Grow families – what could be better? 🧡 Dinner, books, backpacks, games, time together, and some seriously good face painting! 😺 #FamilyEngagement @hclib.bsky.social #cityofrichfield

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Way to Grow children & families are champs! ⚾️🧡 Cheer them on with a daily vote in At Bat for Impact! We asked a few of them why at a recent @twinsbaseball.bsky.social game. Answers included “Help,” “Complete my educational activities,” & one we especially loved, “Go to classes with my daughter.”

A family of four smiles together in the stands at a Minnesota Twins game. A mom holds a card that reads, “I am a champ when I complete my educational activities.”

A young girl smiles while sitting in the ballpark seats and holding a Way to Grow card that reads, “My Family Educator cheers when I help.”

A mother and daughter sit together at a Minnesota Twins game. The mother holds a card that reads, “My Family Educator cheers when I go to classes with my daughter.”

A young boy smiles and reaches playfully with a peace sign toward the camera from his seat at a Minnesota Twins game.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

For nearly 30 years, Dolly Parton helped put books into the hands and homes of children. We’re remembering her with three of the children’s books she wrote, and a few simple ways to enjoy them together. 📚🧡

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

School takes a little getting used to for kids and parents. 🧡 Way to Grow educators share what can help make the start of the school year a little easier, from building routines to navigating first week nerves. 🔗 waytogrow.org/from-our-educators-starting-the-school-year/

waytogrow.org

From Our Educators: Starting the School Year - Way to Grow

At our Education is Power luncheon, Krystal Perry and her son Lelon shared what 10 years with Way to Grow has meant. Read their story.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Heading to the Minnesota State Fair with kids? 🎡 A little planning can make a big Fair day a little easier. Our Family Educators share a few of their favorite tips for families. 🧡 Read them here: waytogrow.org/family-educator-pro-tips-the-mn-state-fair/

waytogrow.org

Family Educator Pro Tips: The MN State Fair - Way to Grow

Fireworks safety tips for Minnesota families this Fourth of July — what's legal, what to watch for, and a few things that might surprise you."

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Your vote counts DOUBLE today + tomorrow! ⚾🧡 Vote for Way to Grow and turn two votes into four. At Bat for Impact runs through Sept. 16, so keep those daily votes coming!

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

An amazing back-to-school start! 🎒🧡 Thanks to @unitedwaytc.bsky.social and Best Buy more than 600 new backpacks are making their way to Way to Grow children this school year. #EducationIsPower

Way to Grow staff member smiles while carrying several colorful backpacks donated for local students.

Way to Grow staff members distribute new backpacks outside the Way to Grow office.

Way to Grow staff member holds several new backpacks donated for children heading back to school.

Way to Grow staff member smiles while carrying several blue and gray backpacks donated for local students.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

First day of preschool smiles. 🧡 Yesterday our preschoolers were busy exploring their classroom, meeting new friends and discovering all the important things, including the play kitchen. Here’s to a great year ahead! 🎒☀️🖍️

A smiling preschooler sits at a classroom table on the first day of preschool. Colorful classroom artwork and supplies are visible behind him. Text reads, “1st Day of Preschool!”

A young boy plays at a toy kitchen in the preschool classroom, holding a play pot on the stove. Colorful toys, books, and classroom materials surround him.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Look at the incredible lineup we’re part of! ⚾🧡 One vote a day can help Way to Grow unlock $12,500 for Twin Cities children and families. Cast yours today! And thank you to Thrivent and the Minnesota Twins for your support! #LifelongLearning 🔗 twins.com/atbatforimpact

twins.com

Twins x Thrivent At Bat For Impact | Minnesota Twins

Twins x Thrivent At Bat For Impact invites all fans attending each Twins regular season home game to vote among featured nonprofits.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Un pequeño vistazo a las visitas en el hogar a través de los ojos de una de nuestras mamás. 🧡 Gracias, Leticia, por compartir con nosotros este pedacito tan especial de la historia de tu familia. #VisitasAlHogar #AprendizajeTemprano #HomeVisiting

Quote from Way to Grow mom Leticia in Spanish about how much her daughter enjoys visits with her Family Educator and how reading stories and doing activities together are helping prepare her for kindergarten.

A Way to Grow Family Educator sits on a couch with a mom and two young girls as they read a colorful children’s book together.

Spanish enrollment graphic reading, “¿Quiere un Educador Familiar de su lado? ¡Inscríbase hoy!” with waytogrow.org/enroll.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Join Way to Grow and community partners Saturday, August 22, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Lorraine B. Smaller Park for an afternoon celebrating Black breastfeeding and chestfeeding families. Come say hello! ☀️

Chocolate Milk Day graphic for August 22, 2 to 5 p.m. at Lorraine B. Smaller Park in Minneapolis. A Black Breastfeeding Family Celebration with live music and community vendors, including Way to Grow.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

5,000 votes. We can do this! ⚾🧡 Vote for Way to Grow once a day, per email address, and help us qualify for a $12,500 gift. While you’re there, show some love to our fellow Featured Nonprofits, too! 🔗 Link in thread! ☀️

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

There’s still time to squeeze in a little more summer reading fun! ☀️📚

Colorful graphic reading “What We’re Reading: Summer Reading Scavenger Hunt!” with a “Free!” badge and an image of the scavenger hunt board.

Two children sit together on a park bench outside, looking at and reading a colorful picture book.

Graphic reading, “There’s still time for some summer reading fun! Our free scavenger hunt gives kids a fun way to finish summer strong in the reading department.”

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Books can make new experiences feel a little less scary. 🦷📚

Graphic titled "What We're Reading: Five books for talking about the dentist with your child," featuring the covers of five children's books about visiting the dentist.

Book cover of "The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist" by Stan and Jan Berenstain.

Book cover of "Teeth: You Only Get Two Sets" by Magda Garguláková.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

What a night! 🧡 We had such a great time at National Night Out, meeting families, catching up with neighbors, and sharing a little about Way to Grow. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello. We loved spending the evening with you! #NationalNightOut #CommunityStrong

Three smiling adults pose together at a National Night Out event beside the Way to Grow table, with families and children gathering in the background.

A man kneels to chat with a young child wearing a rainbow-colored dress in front of the Way to Grow outreach table at a neighborhood National Night Out event.

Families gather outside an apartment community during National Night Out, visiting resource tables, enjoying food, and connecting with neighbors while children play nearby.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

One vote a day can make a big difference. 🧡 ⬇️⬇️Vote for Way to Grow every day through September 16 in the Minnesota @twinsbaseball.bsky.social and Thrivent At Bat for Impact campaign. If we reach 5,000 votes, we'll unlock a $12,500 gift for children and families.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Family Educator Pro Tip: Bubble Fun! 🧡 Blowing bubbles is more than just fun! Holding the wand, dipping it into the solution, and blowing gently help build fine motor skills, coordination, and focus. Best of all, your child is learning while they play! 🫧

A smiling child blows bubbles outside on a sunny day, practicing fine motor skills through play.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

These proud smiles tell quite a story! 🎓

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Sometimes all it takes is a new toothbrush to make brushing a little more fun! 🪥🧡

Yellow cover slide with photo of a toddler brushing his teeth and smiling; text reads Healthy Smiles Start Early: Kid dental care, made simple.

Orange slide: Time for a first checkup — first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of first tooth.

Yellow slide: Brushing basics for babies and toddlers — brush twice daily with rice-sized toothpaste smear.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

"Polar Bear, Polar Bear, what do you see?" 🎶 We hope you're staying cool this weekend! 🧡

A child in a bright orange Way to Grow shirt turns toward the camera with a look of wonder and surprise while a polar bear swims in the underwater exhibit behind them.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Congratulations to the families who completed our six-week Spanish-language Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)! 🧡

Group photo of EFNEP graduates and staff standing together in front of an orange wall reading "opportunity," kids up front wearing superhero and Way to Grow shirts.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Family Educator Pro Tip: Say "yes" to little helpers! 🧡 Watering the garden, stirring pancake batter, matching socks, or putting toys away may take a little longer, but little moments like these build confidence, independence, and skills that last a lifetime. 🌱

Young girl wearing Way to Grow sunglasses waters a garden with a teal watering can.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Fireworks are part of many Fourth of July celebrations. A few simple safety steps can help everyone enjoy the fun. Swipe through for easy tips to help keep your family safe this holiday. Happy Fourth! 🎆

Fireworks display with text: "Fireworks Safety for Families."

Two ground fountains shoot sparks into the night sky.

Two sparklers burning against a dark background.

Three children sit with their backs to the camera watching a firework.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Choo Choo! 🚂 Our little conductor is hard at work making stops for imagination, curiosity, and play. 🧡

A young girl with braids and purple stud earrings smiles as she plays with a wooden train set on a road-pattern rug.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

Family Educator Pro Tip 🧡 Too hot for the playground? Try the library instead! Pick out a few books, find a comfy spot, and enjoy some time together. It's a great way to stay cool while making reading part of your summer routine. 📚

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Headed to the lake or pool this weekend? ☀️🧡 Read the full post down below! 👇

Water Safety for Young Children tip sheet from Way to Grow

A smiling woman holds a laughing young girl in a pool, both in swimsuits

A young girl in an orange life jacket grins from a boat, with another child in a life jacket visible behind her

Three children in goggles and swim caps practice floating on their backs in a pool, each holding a yellow kickboard

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Children don't need perfect parents. They need "good enough" parents who show up with presence, love, and consistency. 🧡 Full episode link in the next comment. 👇

Branded graphic with a podcast player card. Header reads "What We're Listening To." Card features the Mom Enough® name, a microphone illustration with audio waveform, and the episode title "Way to Grow and Mom Enough®: Building Strong Families Through 'Good Enough' Parenting."

Way to Grow CEO Coco Du speaks into a handheld microphone at a panel table on stage, with Dr. Marti Erickson and Dr. Erin Erickson seated beside her. A sign on the table reads "Education Is Power." Audience members are visible in the foreground.

Pull quote on a purple background attributed to Erin Erickson, Co-Host of Mom Enough®: "Children don't come with a manual. Parents need knowledge of child development. They need to know what to expect." A microphone icon appears below the quote.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

We're still smiling after last week's midsummer gathering! 🧡 Wesley Jones shared: "I'm grateful for the conversations, the energy in the room, and the community that showed up." Thank you to everyone who came together in support of Twin Cities children and families.

Way to Grow staff and host, Jeanne, pose together in front of a Way to Grow banner featuring a smiling young child at an In Good Company community event.

Way to Grow Family Educator Mulki explains the Science of Reading display to two attendees at an In Good Company event table, with early literacy materials and activity cards visible.

A guest and Way to Grow staff member smile together at a recent In Good Company event.

Ronel and Carkhris smile together at a Way to Grow In Good Company event.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Sometimes it starts with a book. Sometimes it starts with a conversation. And sometimes it starts with a scoop of sand and a very important experiment. ☀️ Photo credit: Andres Perez

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

New places. New people. New routines. Summer brings a lot of "but what if…?" moments. Our What We're Reading pick today is “Wemberly Worried” by Kevin Henkes. It's a gentle, thoughtful story about a little mouse with very big worries. 🧡📖

Graphic with "What We're Reading" at the top and the cover of Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes centered on a purple background. The cover shows a worried-looking mouse surrounded by colorful concentric circles.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

School year = Complete! Family celebration = Ice cream galore!🍦🧡 Way to Grow celebrates every last spelling test, early bedtime, backpack clean-out, and “you did it!” moment. Congratulations, families everywhere! Here’s to a summer full of sunshine, sticky fingers, and sweet memories together. ☀️

A young boy in a blue vest and collared shirt eats a melting ice cream cone, ice cream smeared across his nose and mouth, with a serious expression on his face.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

New on the blog: free and low-cost summer ideas for Twin Cities families, plus thoughts from Ashley Booker, CEO of YWCA St. Paul.

Two young children drawing with sidewalk chalk on pavement, "Summer Fun Starts Here" graphic overlay on yellow background with waytogrow.org/blog

Orange graphic listing "3 Simple Things to Help Young Children Have a Safe, Fun Summer": create opportunities to explore, move, and be curious; unplug and prioritize connection; get outside. Credit to Ashley Booker, CEO of YWCA St. Paul and Way to Grow board member.

Three young girls playing on a colorful playground climbing structure on a sunny day.

Orange graphic listing free and low-cost summer activities for families, including sidewalk chalk, story times, park playdates, nature walks, community festivals, and more

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

During a home visit, Family Educator Phoua suggested rotating toys to help keep learning fresh and engaging. The mom’s response: “Wow! I never knew and thought of this before!” Sometimes small ideas make a big difference. 🧡 #EarlyLearning #ParentSupport

Young child playing with colorful building blocks on a wood floor.

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mplswaytogrow.bsky.social @mplswaytogrow.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Weekend plans: grab a friend, step outside, and blow some bubbles! 🫧 What will you be doing?

Toddler outside reaching toward bubbles, with a caregiver and other children nearby.

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