Help Me Grow WNY

06/12/2026

Families are searching. Can they find you?

Join us for Findhelp Office Hours on June 18th from 12 to 1 PM.

We’ll walk you through how to find and claim your organization’s listing on Findhelp, the directory Help Me Grow WNY uses to connect families with services across all eight counties. If your listing isn’t claimed, families can’t find you and you won’t receive referrals from our network.

One hour. Everything you need to get set up. Join us using the link in our bio!

06/11/2026

Last night, caregivers, community leaders, and more came together for a screening of the documentary "Make a Circle".

This film is a love letter to early childhood educators while also highlighting the challenges our childcare system faces. It follows a group of childcare providers working to change how society values those responsible for educating our youngest children, documenting their efforts to unionize. Following the screening, Rachel Bonsignore facilitated a panel discussion featuring Diane Abram, Joseph Cozzo, Sheri Scavone, and Cheryl Williams-Maney. They spoke about their personal experiences, whether as a parent or as someone who's run an at-home daycare for 30 years.

The conversation was a reminder of the critical role early childhood educators play in shaping the future. Reflecting on what this film means for our professions and the children we serve was eye-opening, and we are excited to have been part of such a touching event.

Thank you to The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Help Me Grow WNY for bringing our community together for this meaningful evening.

05/28/2026

If you weren't able to make our pop-up screening this past April, now is your chance to stop by Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum with your little one for a free developmental screening facilitated by Help Me Grow WNY!

Next Friday, May 29th, register your child for a quick questionnaire that will help you gauge how your little is developing AND will allow you free admission to the museum. This is a great opportunity to have fun with the family while also accessing important resources that directly benefit your child's growth.

This event will be taking place from 11am to 2pm, so make sure you register or share this opportunity within your networks or with any family who may benefit.

We hope to see you there!

05/15/2026

You make a referral to help a family. Then... crickets. Did they connect? You’ll probably never know.

FindHelp is solving that problem. It’s a closed-loop referral system where families can find services by zip code, and providers can actually track whether referrals land.

Here’s the catch: your organization needs to be claimed in the system, or you’re invisible to families searching for help.

Join us this Thursday afternoon for free office hours with FindHelp. Learn how to claim your org, list your programs correctly, and start receiving referrals that don’t fall through the cracks.

Link to the meeting is in our bio!🔗

04/24/2026

Serious about children. Serious about learning. Less serious about our outfits! NY Association for the Education of Young Children - 2026 Annual Conference.

04/16/2026

04/14/2026

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz reminds us why the earliest years matter most. The literacy stats are sobering, but the opportunity is powerful: what happens between 0 and 3 shapes everything that follows.

This week, Erie County is making it official with a proclamation supporting our youngest learners and the caregivers who show up for them every single day. Because early childhood isn’t just a phase to get through. It’s where we build the foundation for thriving communities.

Ready to be part of the momentum? Join us for Week of the Young Child events happening across Western New York. From family activities to professional learning opportunities, there’s something for everyone committed to early childhood.

Check out the full lineup using the link in our bio 🔗

04/13/2026

Free museum day AND peace of mind? Yes, please!

This Thursday, April 16th, we’re teaming up with for something pretty great: free developmental screenings that get your family free admission to the museum. Your kids get to play, explore, and learn while you get answers about their development.

Week of the Young Child is all about celebrating our youngest learners and making sure they have what they need to succeed.

Register your family, get screened, play all afternoon. It’s that simple. Can’t make this one? We’re doing it again on Friday, May 29th!

See you at Explore & More, 2-4pm on Thursday☀️

Register now using the link in our bio!!

04/11/2026

This week is one to celebrate our youngest neighbors because Erie County's Live Well Erie initiative and I join many community partners to celebrate the "Week of the Young Child."

This a time to support our youngest learners while helping families access tools, resources, and support that encourage healthy development and school readiness.

For the full list of the community events, visit: https://loom.ly/cgLTxRk