November Message from Deb
A season of gratitude
In this season of giving thanks, I have a heightened awareness for all the thanks to go around at PIC. This is a community of caring, of dedication, of reflection on our past and of intentionality about our future.
At PIC, I am so grateful for…
A NATION that is understanding so much more about the importance of high quality early childhood education and is beginning (with the smallest of steps) to put funding behind that understanding. My hope is that all get out to vote on November 8 and that children are at the heart of the vote.
A CITY that became the first large city in the nation to institute a tax to fund pre-kindergarten, giving children from low-income households access to quality early childhood programs. It took tireless advocacy on the part of many, and leads the way for programs (including PIC) to expand socio-economic diversity.
A WEST PHILADELPHIA COMMUNITY that has supported PIC for many years. We are deeply appreciative of our long-time relationships with the large institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and delighted to have new collegial relationships with organizations such as Drexel University, the Penn Alexander School and University City Arts League.
Our many SUPPORTERS who have committed resources to helping PIC continue to grow and thrive. Grant funders (i.e. Fund for Quality and the Lokoff Foundation, among others), PIC special donor funds (i.e. the Cindy Fund, Tuition Assistance Fund), individual donors and local businesses that help us to function at the highest level of quality. We just held our annual fall fundraiser event ArtStart and are thrilled with its success. Special call-outs to our old friends at Beijing, Jeff “City” Block, FS Investments, and Pasqually’s PIzza, and our new sponsorships with Bluestone Contractors, Pepper Hamilton, Starr Restaurants, and Tired Hands Brewery. We expect to finish the year strong with our upcoming GivingTuesday campaign and December Annual Appeal.
TEACHERS who we are proud to have on our staff and who define who we are. PIC teachers who have committed to continuing their education in the field, as well as to other ongoing professional development. Teachers, who despite a long-time national climate of being undervalued and underpaid, give the best of themselves every day.
PARENTS who “get” what we do. Parents who trust and support our work through times of success and celebration, as well as through times of mistakes or challenges faced. Parents who give us honest and constructive feedback so that we can continue to strive to be the best program possible.
ALUMNI who remain committed to PIC children even after their family has moved on. Alumni who understand the importance of quality programming for early learners and school-age children. Our alumni are the best and keep our community strong.
And last, but truly the most important, the CHILDREN who bring us joy every day. The children who drive all that we do and the decisions that we make. The children, ALL children, who deserve the very best care and education each and every day.
That’s a lot of gratitude, but in the season of Thanksgiving, I feel it is so important to convey it all. I also believe that by valuing those special things you have today, we as individuals and PIC as an organization remains open to new (and exciting) things to come.