Maria Schmidt - Thrive by 5 Giving Day

I believe all children are entitled to high quality care and education, especially right here in our community. As the campaign states – the first five years are crucial to a child’s development and future – investing in such care is a must and I’m happy to be a part of helping our community value children above and beyond. I began my reverence for young children over 45 years ago, as a babysitter and in child care programs. My passion grew as I received college degrees related to child development, which has led to me teaching child development in public schools and colleges for more than 30 years. In her poem We Are Responsible, Ina Hughes concludes by reminding us that “We are responsible for children…for those who don't get a second chance...and for those who will grab the hand of anybody kind enough to offer it.”

My wish is that with my participation in the Thrive by Five Giving Day, I can reach my hands out to support every child, so that we can all hold their hands.

About the Thrive by  Five Campaign:
Funding will be used to increase access to high-quality education for at-risk children and low-income families, improve quality of programs, cultivate family engagement and community partnerships, develop training opportunities for educators, and provide required community matching funds for On My Way Pre-K students. Learn more about the Thrive by Five Campaign.