Island of Safety.

"I am new to the area with no support system and living in a shelter after escaping a domestic violence situation. I am a full-time mom to two active young children. My caseworker took us on a tour of Crisis Nursery to see if they would be able to help me. During the tour, we stopped out on the playroom floor and my three year old daughter, Rose, stopped because she found an Elsa doll, her favorite.
As I watched my children begin to take interest, I released a big sigh and said 'Wow, I feel better already knowing that Crisis Nursery is here as an option.' Knowing that the Nursery was an option when I just needed a break was enough for me to feel new found support in my role as a single mother."

- Ellen, Mom of two

"During third shift I often see children who are scared when they wake. Being in a new place can be fun during the day, but waking up in a new place can be scary at times for young children. On one particular night I was here with a little guy named Joey who was waking up frequently.
First we got a drink of water, then he went to the potty again, and we eventually listened to music together to help him relax in an unfamiliar place. Joey began to doze off and got a good night’s rest.
Later in the morning when Joey woke, I went in to his bedroom to greet him. He sat up with a smile and said “you are here!” We shared a big morning hug and continued into the kitchen for a muffin. I knew that Joey was beginning to feel safe and comfortable here at Crisis Nursery."

- Crisis Nursery Lead Children's Specialist

"One of the hardest parts about the times we’re in is not knowing how the families we serve are doing on a regular basis. We worry and wonder how they are dealing with social distancing.
When one family came by for goods, she started talking to me through the window. She sounded happy and healthy and it brought a peace to me. I could tell she was coping and seemed to still be thriving as her bubbly talkative self. She took her child out of the car and was having him wave and talk to me. Seeing him look so happy and hearing his laugh made my day.

 - Dana Kelly, Crisis Support Specialist

"While a lot of the world is waking up to the injustices that Black and Brown folks have endured for hundreds of years in the United States; there has been new space created to listen and potentially begin to make systematic change to address these issues at large and within our organization. While these processes are never easy, comfortable, or without flaw; I saw people throughout the organization begin to rise to the task and commit to making a difference with the recognition that if we are not addressing the issue we are perpetuating it. While there is always more to be done; I have been encouraged by the steps that the nursery is taking to ensure that the families we serve are being cared for in appropriate and just ways that highlight the love that the Nursery and staff have for this community."

- Monica Miles, Family Specialist

“I was able to have a first time Zoom call with a family. Throughout this time, I was able to observe child and mom readily interacting and noticed increases in child’s expressive and receptive communication. This was a shift for us as throughout our visits we were monitoring child’s communication and actively supporting this specific area of development. I noted and affirmed child and parental mastery and continued to leave space to watch and engage in the interaction.
As our work has gone virtual, it’s an incredible experience to see how quickly children continue to grow, especially when we have video or safe, socially distanced, in-person visits. What a testament to the continued strengths of parents and caregivers even despite the challenges that the pandemic has brought for everyone.”

- Joy Sugihara, Family Specialist