The reason I give: impact! FCfC’s mission is focused on early childhood development and studies show that quality programs for young children have an outsized educational impact — in business terms, a high return on investment. FCfC embraces diversity, a cooperative model and parent and teacher involvement so the values spread to the community — and the impact of my gift is multiplied.
Friends Center for Children, led by one of our alumni, Allyx Schiavone, has established itself as a model of best-practice in high-quality early childhood education. The strength of Friends Center is not only in their pedagogy and curriculum but also in their commitment to relationships. Child-centered education comes alive at Friends Center in ways that should inspire us to redouble our efforts to ensure this kind of learning is available to all children.
I am personally encouraged by places that inspire hope for a brighter future. I am excited by communities that invite opportunities for authentic experiences and people-centered learning. Friends Center is that kind of place with those kind of people!The learning philosophy at Friends Center provides a wonderful setting for all of our children to continue developing.
The Friends Center is an utterly amazing place, where children and families are cared for and nurtured in a way I wish all of our children and families could experience. Upon stepping inside one can feel the thoughtfulness and caring that goes into every aspect of the center, from design and decor to staff interactions to the way the teachers address every child with the attention and respect they deserve and need. I have never seen an early care and education environment that was so healthy for its children, families as well as its teachers and staff. Perhaps this is part of the secret ingredients of Friends Center — that it does such a great job caring for those who care for our children. What an amazing testament to the ethos of this magical place, inhabited by citizens whose caring knows no bounds.
I am invigorated by Friends Center for Children’s commitment to encourage and listen to all voices in the spirit of equality. A culture of respect for each and every individual is embedded in the way teachers work with the children; how children learn to listen to one another whether in play, conflict or learning; when staff and parents interact; and how decisions are made around the board table. When voices are drawn out and carefully heard, trust is created, community deepens, individuals are empowered, and creative new pathways evolve.
As an educator I aspire to inspire those around me, yet I often find that I need creative motivation myself. Friends Center for Children, both as a space and a community, allows for an environment where inspiration thrives. Each classroom is ever-changing with the new ideas that flow through them, mirroring the ever-changing minds of the children within them. There is also tremendous value in the different ways that teachers and staff approach everyday challenges, obstacles, and learning opportunities. This inspires my own thoughts and ideas, while also fortifying the community of which I am so proud to be a part.
The Friends philosophy of acceptance, respect and peace has made a tremendous impression in the hearts of our family and has forever made an impact on my daughter’s life. We don’t know what the future holds for our daughter. If we are honest, none of us knows what the future holds for our children. But we know that we have been made better by the care and nurture of Friends Center for Children in New Haven, CT. Our hearts are forever touched and our lives forever made better. Thank you will never be enough.
