Bridging Gaps and Nurturing Community through Early Learning in Philomath

by CI Communications | May 22, 2023 | Podcast

Summary

In this episode of the Early Link podcast, Rafael Otto joins Abby Couture and Sunny Bennett, the principal and preschool teacher at Clemens Primary School. Abby and Sunny discuss their stories of getting started in education as well as the moments they began to realize many children were missing out on early learning experiences. They go on to describe the educational environment in Philomath, where they partner with LBCC and Strengthening Rural Families to provide more opportunities for toddlers and pre-k students. Their preschool program incorporates a unique placement within the primary school, naturally connecting young students to their early elementary progression.

Abby and Sunny also share their positive experience as part of Children’s Institute’s Early Learning Academy, highlighting the inspiring sense of community, information sharing, and resource recommendations it provided. Participating in the academy empowered them and encouraged Philomath to engage community partners, improve practices, and foster connections among stakeholders. Sunny expressed how each meeting left her feeling empowered and ready to take on the next challenge, always leaving with a positive feeling. As Philomath’s early learning journey continues, the two dream of ensuring preschool access for all students in their community. They hope to create a supportive environment where families can thrive and stay connected from the earliest years onward.

Talking to Kids About Success

by CI Communications | May 3, 2023 | Podcast

Summary

In partnership with Oregon Humanities, we interviewed students in second, fifth, and sixth grades from Vose Elementary and Yoncalla Elementary to see what they think about success and where their ideas of success come from.

In this episode of The Detour, we captured wit, wisdom, jokes, and meaningful conversation with some incredible young people. Their messages are clear, thought-provoking, and chock-full of wisdom and wit.

“You don’t have to be the best at it to do it, but as long as you like it, you should probably keep doing it.”

More about The Detour

Each month, host Adam Davis and guests explore tough questions about how we live together. Conversations on The Detour connect ideas and personal experiences without looking for easy solutions. Here we find the path to understanding often takes unexpected turns. The Detour is produced by Oregon Humanities.

Early Childhood Champion Julie Young Honored with the 2022 Alexander Award

by CI Communications | Dec 2, 2022 | News, Announcements

Children’s Institute is thrilled to honor Julie Young as this year’s recipient of the Alexander Award for her dedication and commitment to ensuring that young children in Oregon have the love, education, and care they need.

The award was announced at CI’s Champions for Children event on December 1, 2022.

Julie was on Children’s Institute’s Board of Directors from 2008-2022 and has been a tireless early childhood advocate for decades. She has been integral in supporting and advancing early childhood policies in Oregon.

Julie is a retired social worker with clinical experience at a community mental health center, where she was a therapist. She has been a lifelong champion for young children and families, with a special focus on early childhood issues, children’s mental health, and education.

“Julie Young has been a persistent, tireless advocate for the needs of young children,” said Nan Waller, a former CI Board member.

“She is also one of the most gracious, compassionate people that I know. Her combination of grace and grit have proven to be a powerful force in improving the lives of children,” Waller said.

We want to express our endless gratitude to Julie, whose passion and tireless commitment to children and families is evident every day. Her endless commitment to children and families has been instrumental in making Oregon the best place to be a kid.

More about the Alexander Award

The Alexander Award is named for prominent Oregon leader Dick Alexander and was first awarded by Children’s Institute to Governor John Kitzhaber in 2013 for his work building Oregon’s early childhood system. Since then, the award has recognized individual leaders such as Ken Thrasher and Sue Miller and communities like Wallowa County for significant work to improve the lives of young children. Beyond honoring individual leaders and communities, the Alexander Award calls attention to the need for business and civic leaders to work together to build a system of programs and services to support children’s healthy development and school readiness in order to ensure Oregon’s future success.

CI Partners with Family of Julie Mancini, Continues Legacy for Children

by CI Communications | Oct 3, 2022 | News, Announcements

Julie was part of the CI family and a fierce champion for Oregon’s children. In partnership with her family, we have set up a dedicated donation page in her memory so we can continue to work hard to make sure children and communities thrive.

The journey from the start of her career as a preschool teacher to a board member on Children’s Institute’s Board of Directors was a full-circle moment. “Coming to Children’s Institute feels like coming home,” she said.

We will always remember Julie as someone who refused to allow the status quo to define how she treated others, especially children. She was someone who saw them, cared for them, and loved them dearly.

Leading in the Wilderness of Love

Originally published September 2, 2022 by Kali Thorne Ladd

Earlier this week, we lost one of our fiercest champions for children in Oregon, Julie Mancini.

Julie began her career as an early childhood educator and when she joined the Children’s Institute Board, said it felt like “coming home.”

Julie held many titles — mother, grandmother, leader, mentor, advocate, and friend. For those of you who knew her, you inevitably experienced her light and passion. Her irreverence for the status quo and commitment to always doing what was right by kids — no matter what — set her apart from many, and exemplified her special power.

To say that it was an honor to have her as a part of the CI family seems an understatement at best. Her presence, sharp wit, fabulous sense of humor, and eagerness to change things for the betterment of all are part of her lasting legacy.

And of course, Julie’s leadership extended beyond just children: she led and served in many nonprofits in Oregon including College Possible, Mercy Corps, Caldera, and Literary Arts.

But where Julie led best is in the wilderness of love. She loved her people, and she let them know it. Perhaps this is what made her shine brightest, because to be seen and loved is the greatest gift. Julie bestowed this gift upon many, and our lives are forever changed for the better because of it.

We love you back, Julie. And we will miss you.

But know this: We will continue to do the hard work on behalf of children in your honor; you wouldn’t want it any other way.

With the deepest gratitude,

Kali Thorne Ladd
CEO
Children’s Institute

Oregon’s Kids Need Bold Leadership Now

by CI Communications | Sep 19, 2022 | News, Oregon Policy, Equity

Our leaders must know that children are at the heart of a healthy and thriving state.

That’s why yesterday in the Sunday Oregonian, Kali Thorne Ladd, CI’s chief executive officer, and Whitney Grubbs, executive director of Foundations for a Better Oregon, made the call for Oregon’s next governor—whoever the voters ultimately choose—to commit to the kind of bold and visionary leadership that Oregon’s kids need during these challenging times. Our children are too important for this articulated vision not to exist.

“Most young Oregonians are still struggling with the aftermath of an extraordinarily difficult few years. Helping them move forward is an urgent challenge and critical to the future of our state—and yet, we’ve heard astonishingly little about children throughout this year’s historic governor’s race,” write Thorne Ladd and Grubbs in the op-ed, featured Sunday, September 18.

Children’s Institute and Foundations for a Better Oregon are working to help advocates for Oregon’s kids align our voices to elevate children, education, and care in the issue environment. Together, we can make sure children are centered in everyone’s vision for the future of our state.

Bridging Gaps and Nurturing Community through Early Learning in Philomath

Summary

More about The Early Link Podcast

Transcript

Talking to Kids About Success

Summary

More about The Detour

More about The Early Link Podcast

Transcript

Early Childhood Champion Julie Young Honored with the 2022 Alexander Award

CI Partners with Family of Julie Mancini, Continues Legacy for Children

Leading in the Wilderness of Love

Read More About Julie’s Life & Work

Oregon’s Kids Need Bold Leadership Now

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