Happy (almost) Spring, everyone!
 
I don't know about you, but I have really been appreciating the reminder that sunshine does exist and that spring is ahead. I love watching neighbors emerge from their homes with refreshed smiles and spirits. Thank goodness for seasons that remind us that change is good, and that it is always coming. I continue to learn this as a parent... I try to cherish the seasons when my little ones seem to be feeling secure and at peace with themselves. And through the tough stages, I try to hold on and breathe, knowing that another season will eventually emerge.
 
At PEPS, our current mood is inspired: we are celebrating the success of our 20th annual PEPS luncheon: Counting on Community. We are still so moved and honored by more than 500 people who showed up for PEPS that day, cheered us on, and invested in our current and future efforts to grow our reach and deepen our impact. I was so inspired by our keynote speaker, Nikki Silvestri. One of the messages she shared that I have been reflecting on is the part of community that brings healing - how we not only need one another to grow and thrive, but also to heal ourselves.
 
Whatever season you are experiencing right now in your own life, I hope you can tap into your community to find what you need. Thank you for being a part of our community we can count on.
    
   
Jessica Lawmaster 
Executive Director
Calendar

March 30 and April 6, 13, 20 & 27, 11:30 - 1 pm
Adjusting to Parenthood - Seattle Holistic Center
Drop-in for extra emotional support during the first year.
 
March 29, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Kids and Race Workshop - Verity Credit Union, Seattle
Jasen Frelot will discuss how narratives and counter-narratives shape our children's personal and racial identity development at this PEPS Community Event. $10. Register online.

Volunteer Training: Upcoming Dates
Want to lead a group? Please RSVP to Cate Palmer to attend an upcoming training.
  • April 7, Good Shepherd Center, Wallingford, 9:00 am - 1 pm
  • April 19, Fauntleroy YMCA, West Seattle, 5:30 - 9:30 pm
  • May 3, Thursday, Redmond (Together Center), 5:30 - 9:30 pm
  • May 17, Thursday, Edmonds Community College, 5:30 - 9:30 pm
April 12, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Grandparent Happy Hour - iLEAP Library, Good Shepherd Center, Wallingford
How can you stay connected with children and grandchildren through technology and social media? Join us for this hands-on tutorial on social media tools such as Facebook and Skype/Facetime. RSVP to attend

April 26, 2018, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Bodies, Boundaries + Baby-making - Temple De Hirsch Sinai, Bellevue Campus
Ask Amy Lang your questions about simple ways to talk to your kids about the Birds and Bees. 
Doors open at 6. Light refreshments will be served. $10. Register online

May 9
GiveBIG
Save the Date for this regional day of giving to local nonprofits - including PEPS!

May 16, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
This PEPS Community Event, led by Debbie LeeKeenan, will share practical tips on how to respond to children's comments and questions about differences. Debbie is a leader in anti-bias education for young children. 
$10.  Register online.
PEPS News
We met our Luncheon goal!  

Together, our Luncheon guests, table captains, sponsors and Giving Challenge donors raised more than $280,000 and helped us reach our goal! If you missed it, please consider a gift in lieu of attendance.

We are filled with gratitude and energized for the work ahead.  

PEPS Articles & Resources
Counting on Community 
"As parents, we are always thinking about the kiddos who come play at our house, the friends in the neighborhood park, classmates at school, and the wider world that we are sharing with our children." Jessica Lawmaster shares the steps PEPS is taking to deepen impact and focus on racial equity.
Indoor Active Play 
When preschoolers are active from the start, they establish healthy habits that can last a lifetime. 

"Exercising together is a nice time to connect with your kids in a fun and active way," said Dr. Monique Burton, in this post with tons of active play ideas from Seattle Children's Hospital.   
Why Build This Village
"I have never had the privilege of participating in a PEPS group myself, but a good friend told me about this organization, and the incredible model they had created for families in Seattle." Read how Carina Davio has brought PEPS to Idaho 
Groups Starting in April
Spring groups are available! Please  register for Baby Peppers, Little Peppers, Second Time Around and NEW Evening Groups just for moms. New locations in Columbia City, Renton and more - please help us spread the word!

Pregnancy and Birth in Puerto Rico as an Expat 
"In the hospital I was to deliver in, all women are placed in a communal triage room upon check in, with other laboring women. No doula, no husband, and no support people are allowed there." Anjelica Malone shares how she was inspired giving birth in Puerto Rico.
On the hunt for sitters? Make sure you're asking these 5 things
Poppy, local nanny and babysitting service, shared these interview questions, red flags and great details to ensure you have a great caregiver. Written by founder and CEO of Poppy - also a PEPS parent!
Why life insurance is important to expectant moms
Often, people think about life insurance  in terms of replacing lost income, but if you are a caregiver to your family, that has real financial value that should be protected. Local founder of Jenny Life, Chirag Pancholi asks these 5 questions.  
Nannies and other domestic workers push for new rights
A  coalition that includes the nonprofit Working Washington, a handful of elected officials and a group of domestic workers kicked off a campaign in December to create the  Domestic Workers Bill of Rights . Be informed by this Seattle's Child article.  
 
If Parents Build Resilience, Their Kids Will Too
Check out ParentMap interview with psychologist Rick Hanson on his new book for parents about "growing the good" and how we can  build up a calm center for ourselves and model that for our kids.
West Seattle PEPS Group Helping Out 
When a PEPS Group in West Seattle heard about a house fire, and a mom expecting her baby, they jumped right in to help. Read about how this group had great baby stuff to donate in their community.
 
Visit our corporate sponsors!

 

Logo
Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  Find us on Google+  View our videos on YouTube