E-Newsletter: ChildStrive Chronicle
Check it out & Spread the Word!
Did you see this Herald article sharing ChildStrive’s impact in our community —don’t miss it! Read it here and share it with your friends, family, and network to help amplify our mission.
In Seasons of Change, Our Commitment Endures
A message from Mary Cline-Stively, ChildStrive CEO
In recent weeks, I’ve been asked multiple times about our strategy, especially given the current season of change. It’s true that rules and expectations are evolving, and there is uncertainty within funding systems. Despite this, ChildStrive remains steadfast in our roots and values.
We are committed to placing families with young children at the heart of everything we do. Our community and families inspire us to build a continuum of services that offer opportunities for all families with young children to have the opportunity to thrive.
Holding families at the center means we recognize the parent/caregiver and child relationship as the foundation for a child’s growth, development, and well-being. We value families as equal partners in our work because parents/caregivers know their children best, understand their family’s culture and routines, and are their child’s best teachers. Our programs and approaches are designed to support this partnership with families.
As we move into 2025, we are standing strong in our strategies to ensure fiscal sustainability, staff retention, community presence, and quality programs. By balancing these areas, we are creating a strong future grounded in community. It is an honor and privilege to work with families during these tender years of development and to engage in work that creates a generational impact for our community.
Mariner Future Fest:
Celebrating Community and Partnership!
As part of their support of ChildStrive’s Start Strong campaign, Sound Transit brought together the Mariner community for a day of fun, connection, and future planning at Mariner Future Fest! Families enjoyed delicious local food, lively children’s entertainment in English and Spanish, games, crafts, and even a special family photoshoot to capture the memories.
But the event wasn’t just about fun—it was also about shaping the future of our community. The event came together with the support of Sound Transit, Sno-Isle Mariner Library and ChildStrive. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about resources and programs in our community that support families. And engage with exciting projects like Link Light Rail and the Sno-Isle Libraries; Mariner Community Campus, sharing their voices to help guide the vision for a thriving community.
A huge thank you to Sound Transit for their incredible partnership and sponsorship! Their support of ChildStrive’s mission ensures families have access to strong, connected communities where children can grow and thrive. We also want to recognize our valuable partnership with Sno-Isle Libraries, whose commitment to early learning and family well-being helps build a healthy foundation for our youngest community members.
We are so grateful to everyone who joined us in celebrating the Mariner community and shaping its bright future. Together, we are making a difference for children and families!
Creating Magic in the Mundane: Singing Along
Sing, have fun, and watch your child’s mind grow!
Do you sing with your child? Play singing games? Try call-and-response songs? Even if you don’t have a voice like Whitney Houston, sing anyway! Singing together—whether it’s counting songs, nursery rhymes, childhood favorites, or the ABCs—is a wonderful way to help your child learn.
Music is a powerful tool for learning in every language and culture. Songs help children pick up new words and ideas because music slows down sounds and phrases, making it easier for them to hear words and understand their meanings.
Your child’s brain grows when they explore new things. The next time you’re singing a song and your child hears a new word or idea, help them think deeper by asking a question. Try using “what,” “when,” “where,” “how,” or “why” to spark their curiosity and expand their learning!
Play, Learn, and Grow Together!
Raising little ones is a journey best shared with community! At ChildStrive’s Play and Learn groups, families come together to build connections, support each other, and help children thrive. Based on the Kaleidoscope Play and Learn model, these free groups offer a welcoming space where kids and caregivers can learn, play, and grow side by side.
Children develop important skills through hands-on activities—practicing language, problem-solving, and social skills while enjoying songs, stories, and creative play. And it’s not just for kids! Parents and caregivers get the chance to bond with their child, experience fun ways to support learning at home, and connect with other families in a warm, supportive space. Plus, every session includes a healthy snack for the children!
For many families, Play and Learn is more than just a playgroup—it’s a community. As one mother shared, “These groups have been such a gift. My child is learning new things every time, and I love meeting other parents who understand what having little kids is really like.”
Join us every week at The Village on Casino Road (Blg C, 14 E Casino Rd, Everett, WA 98208) for ChildStrive’s Play and Learn groups in English and Spanish. Come for the fun, stay for the friendships, and leave with new ways to help your child thrive!
*Play & Learn (English) : Tuesdays 10am – 11:15am
*Aprendo Jugando (Spanish) : Jueves (Thursday) 10am – 11:30am
Build a Stronger Bond with Your Child Through Circle of Security
If you are interested in a Circle of Security group, please reach out to connect@childstrive.org
Parenting is one of life’s greatest joys—but it can also be challenging. Every parent wants their child to feel safe, loved, and supported, but sometimes, it’s hard to know the best way to respond to their big emotions or growing independence. That’s where Circle of Security Parenting comes in!
ChildStrive’s Circle of Security classes offer a welcoming space for parents and caregivers to learn how to better understand their child’s needs, strengthen their relationship, and build a foundation of security and trust. Using a research-based approach, these classes help parents recognize their child’s emotional cues, respond with confidence, and create a secure bond that supports healthy development.
As one parent shared, “The Circle of Security program, that ChildStive provided me, meant a huge change for me and my family… they and I know that mom is good enough.”
Whether you’re parenting a toddler, preschooler, or an elementary aged kiddo. Circle of Security can give you valuable tools to navigate the ups and downs of raising young children. Join us and discover new ways to connect with your child, support their emotional growth, and build a lifelong relationship of trust.
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, March 25 at 3pm
Attachment in the Hurt Child
with Sarah Pulliam, LICSW, MPH
Attachment in the Hurt Child explores how to build strong, secure bonds with children who have experienced trauma, offering practical strategies to support healing and emotional connection.
March 25 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Welcoming Gena Divine as Chief Development Officer
ChildStrive is thrilled to announce that Gena Divine has recently joined the organization as Chief Development Officer. With nearly 20 years of experience in non-profit fundraising and marketing, Gena brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for strengthening communities through impactful partnerships and strategic development.
Mark your calendars! Join us at the Lynnwood Event Center on Thursday, May 8, 2025, for ChildStrive’s Together for Families Fundraising Luncheon & Program Expo, a powerful gathering celebrating the impact of early childhood support in our community. Connect with fellow supporters, explore our programs firsthand, and hear inspiring stories of resilience and growth.
Want to make an even bigger impact? Sign up as an Ambassador! Bring your friends, family, or colleagues and help spread the word about ChildStrive’s mission. Together, we can ensure every child has the support they need to thrive!
We’re also seeking sponsors who believe in building strong foundations for children and families. Your sponsorship helps drive real change in our community.
Stay tuned for more details— we can’t wait to see you there!
For more information, Ambassador sign-ups and sponsorship opportunities, visit us here: www.childstrive.org/togetherforfamilies
