A Dad. A Dream. A Joyful JumpStart.

Nia enjoys the Valentine's Day Pancake Breakfast.

Before one-year-old Nia ever stepped into a classroom, she and her dad, Gustav, were already part of the Jubilee JumpStart community. They live in the neighborhood and were referred by local library staff, who called our center the best option for families in need.

“I was looking for Nia to develop socially,” Gustav recalls. “I think it’s important for children to socialize with other children before they’re three years old.” Gustav visited every other week—asking questions, joining support programs, and sharing his dream: a place where Nia could learn, grow, and thrive.

That dream took six long months. Gustav navigated agency visits and paperwork to formalize custody, access TANF, and secure a child care subsidy voucher. When Nia finally joined our toddler classroom, she was ready.

“I’m so happy. I’m so happy.” Gustav beamed on her first day. “And she’s already on your schedule!” he laughed. During their wait, he’d synced Nia’s playground visits, naps, and meals with the classroom routine.

Today, the family is thriving. Gustav volunteers at center events, gets regular updates on Nia’s progress, and shops our free monthly markets for food and diapers.

Nia joins her class for dental screenings at the Colgate Dental Van.

“Nia’s very intelligent,” says her teacher, Ms. Martha. “At first, she didn’t want to be hugged. Now she’s affectionate with everyone and always smiling.” As Gustav puts it: “We’re doing great. We’ll keep working like we’re doing through August. And hopefully, we’ll be here next year—if the city investment is there.”

The future looks bright—but uncertain.

Jubilee JumpStart is facing its biggest challenge yet: rising costs and shrinking support for the programs that help families like Gustav’s.

This Week of the Young Child, your gift—any size—keeps that care going.

Give now to support more joyful starts like Nia’s.

Let’s keep doors open, classrooms full, and futures bright.

Thank you for being part of this story—and helping us write the next one.