Hi Friend,

I hope you’re having a wonderful summer! I’m Kimberly Schulte, and I am on the fundraising team at Brightpoint (formerly Children’s Home & Aid). I’m excited to reach out and tell you why Brightpoint’s mission – that you also support – is important to me. 

We all know that parenting is an incredibly tough job for everyone. As a mom with a 4-year-old and newborn, I am so inspired by the parents we work with at Brightpoint. They face challenges that make life so much harder every day, yet they are so resilient. 
 

Can you imagine getting three children to daycare, some days in the rain or freezing cold, by yourself, without a car? 

 
That was what one mom whose children attend our Mitzi Freidheim Child & Family Center in Chicago (Englewood) did every day for months. The Mitzi Freidheim Center is one of Brightpoint's five early childhood learning centers. The Center provides quality education and care for children ages six weeks to five years, while also supporting parents.

Sara* was working hard to support her family, but when her car broke down, she couldn’t afford to fix it. But she didn’t let that challenge stop her.

Instead - she got up every day and got her three young children ready and took public transportation to the Mitzi Center. Rain or shine, Sara showed up every day because she was committed to her kids receiving the best possible early education.  

Sara hadn’t always had a lot of support in her life. But as part of the Brightpoint community, she had access to a circle of support from staff and other parents.

Thanks to donations, each of our Centers has an essential needs closet filled with items like strollers, diapers and formula. We were able to give Sara a stroller - a big relief!

With help from the Family Support staff at The Mitzi Freidheim Center, Sara found a job with better hours and pay that allowed her to get a car. As you can imagine, this cut her stress level significantly. 

Sara is now one of the leaders in our parent group, encouraging other parents who face difficulties to reach out for the support available through the Brightpoint community.

I share this story because generous donors like you provide funds that support our Mitzi Freidheim Child & Family Center and the Family Support Services program that works alongside parents to address daily parenting challenges.  

Sara is just one of thousands of people whose lives are impacted by support and partnership from generous friends like you. Thanks so much for caring!  

All the best, 

Kimberly Schulte
Manager of Corporate & Foundation Grants 

*Name changed for privacy