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reach their full potential!
E-Newsletter: ChildStrive Chronicle
Empowering Families, Strengthening Communities
A message from Mary Cline-Stively, ChildStrive CEO
At ChildStrive, we often say that families are the heart of thriving communities and community is essential to helping families thrive. This belief is central to the work we do.
Every day, we have the privilege of walking alongside families, many of whom are facing
complex challenges, as they work to create stable, nurturing homes for their children. What makes this possible isn’t just our programs or professional expertise. It’s the deep sense of community we build together.
Community isn’t just about geography, it’s about relationships, shared values, and collective strength. It’s about showing up for each other, believing in one another, and investing in every child’s potential.
Our work is grounded in the core value of Stewardship: advocating and leading in ways that promote wellbeing and collective healing for all. This means recognizing that true impact comes not just from supporting families, but from empowering them to lead, grow, and contribute to their communities in return.
One way we live out this value is through our coaching model, which honors each parent and caregiver as their child’s first and most important teacher. By building on what caregivers already know and value, we help them grow in confidence and skills, not only as parents, but as leaders and advocates in their families and communities.
When a parent feels seen, supported, and equipped, they don’t just parent differently, they live differently. They build strong connections, make informed choices, and help others along the way. That’s the kind of ripple effect community is all about.
Thank you for being part of the ChildStrive community. Whether you’re a partner, a supporter, a team member, or a family we’ve supported, you are helping build our powerful and lasting community.
Building Community, One Connection at a Time
At the heart of Parents as Teachers is a simple but powerful idea: when families are connected, they thrive. This program pairs caregivers with a trusted parent educator who walks alongside them while offering personalized guidance, developmental support, and encouragement rooted in each family’s strengths.
Through regular home visits, group gatherings, and shared experiences, families begin to build not just skills, but relationships. The program becomes a bridge connecting caregivers to resources, to one another, and to a broader community of support.
“Parents as Teachers helps families grow by building on their strengths. We work together to help them find their voice and speak up for their kids, themselves, and their community.” said Parent Educator, Elizabeth Ludvik
This spirit of connection comes to life each year at our Parents as Teachers summer picnic in June. Families from across the program gather to share a meal, play, and celebrate their journeys together. What begins as a simple outing becomes a powerful reminder that no one is raising children alone and that every family is part of something bigger.
Parents as Teachers helps lay the foundation for strong, resilient families and communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
PAT Summer
Family Picnic!
Community Baby Shower! Join us on July 11!
Expecting a baby? Come celebrate with us! Molina Healthcare and ChildStrive are excited to host a Community Baby Shower on Friday, July 11—a fun, free event for anyone who is pregnant or has a baby on the way.
Join us for helpful resources, free giveaways, light refreshments, and a chance to connect with other expecting parents in a welcoming, supportive space. Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, we’d love to celebrate this special time with you!
Friday, July 11
2pm – 5pm
Village on Casino Road
14 E Casino Road, Everett, WA 98208
Finding Confidence and Community
When Maria enrolled in Parents as Teachers, she was caring for two young children under the age of three and adjusting to a new neighborhood far from her extended family. Most days felt overwhelming, and she often stayed inside, unsure where to begin or who to turn to.
Through regular visits with her Parent Educator, Adrienne, Maria began to gain confidence in her role as a mother. She learned how to support her children’s development through simple, everyday routines, turning diaper changes into language-building moments and mealtimes into playful learning opportunities.
As her confidence grew, so did her sense of possibility. Encouraged by her Parent Educator, Maria took a big step, she introduced herself to a neighbor with young kids and suggested getting together at the nearby park. That simple hello led to playdates, shared parenting tips, and the beginning of real friendship.
Now, Maria not only feels capable as a parent, but she also feels connected. Her children are thriving, and she’s created her own small community right outside her front door. Through Parents as Teachers, she didn’t just find support, she found her voice, her confidence, and the courage to build new relationships.
Magic in the Mundane: A Summertime Treasure Hunt
Getting outside doesn’t have to be a big event, sometimes just stepping out the door, walking to the park, or strolling down the sidewalk can spark curiosity and connection. Try a simple Summertime Treasure Hunt with your child to turn everyday surroundings into a playful learning experience.
Start by saying, “Let’s go on a treasure hunt!” and have a small bag, basket, or even a designated spot nearby for collecting “treasures.” Invite your child to find things like:
- A smooth rock
- A yellow leaf
- Something soft
- Something round
- Something that makes a sound when you shake or tap it
You can come up with your own list together or follow your child’s lead as they explore. Ask open-ended questions like, “What does that feel like?” or “Can you find something else that’s the same color?”
Why it matters:
This kind of play supports sensory development, builds vocabulary, and helps children practice comparing, sorting, and noticing patterns—all key early learning skills. It also nurtures their natural curiosity and builds confidence as they make their own discoveries. And most importantly, it gives you a moment of joy and connection, together.
Learning Together: Join Us Live Online!
We know parenting comes with plenty of questions, and we’re here to help! ChildStrive’s Learning Together is a series of live, online sessions where our expert staff will share valuable insights, tips, and tools to support your child’s growth and development.
Through live online presentations and Q&A sessions, you can connect with ChildStrive experts on topics like strengthening relationships and nourishing picky eaters —all from the comfort of home!
Tuesday, July 15 at 2pm
Bite-Sized Wins: Navigating Nutrition for Picky Eaters
Bite-Sized Wins: Navigating Nutrition for Picky Eaters offers practical tips and creative strategies to help picky eaters develop a healthy relationship with food while helping keep mealtimes low stress.
Tuesday, July 15 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Community Bites!
Bring your friends, family, and neighbors together for a delicious way to give back! Join us at one—or all—of these special dining events where a portion of your meal supports ChildStrive’s work with local families.
Thursday, July 24 – Red Robin
Alderwood and Everett Mall locations
Tuesday, July 29 – Panda Express
Evergreen Way location
Monday, August 4 – QDOBA Mexican Eats
Mill Creek location
Tuesday, August 12 – The Texan Bothell
Friday, August 15 – MOD Pizza
Evergreen Way location
Check Back for More Dates to Come!
