Help Me Grow Escambia

06/02/2026

What if we told you that one of the most important "jobs" of childhood looks a lot like fun?

Through play, children learn new concepts, explore the world around them, practice skills, solve problems, and build relationships. Play isn't a break from learning - it's one of the primary ways young children learn. 💛

This week, make time for unstructured play and watch what your child discovers.

Have questions about your child's development? Help Me Grow Escambia can connect you to information, developmental screenings, and local resources. Visit helpmegrowescambia.org to learn more or contact our care coordinator at 850-434-7755.

06/02/2026

Thank you WEAR ABC 3 News, Pensacola and Sue Straughn for shining a well- deserved spotlight on MaryAnn Humphreys Bickerstaff.

06/01/2026

Happy Birthday, MaryAnn!

MaryAnn, thank you for four decades of service, leadership, and unwavering belief in children and families. Your work has changed lives, strengthened our community, and created opportunities for countless children to receive the support they need to succeed.

As Director of Children's Services at Pearl Nelson Center and a leader of Help Me Grow Escambia, MaryAnn has been a driving force behind countless success stories. Her vision, determination, and unwavering commitment were instrumental in bringing Help Me Grow to Escambia County, a program that continues to connect families with the help they need during their child's most important developmental years.

What makes MaryAnn truly special is not just her decades of service, but the heart behind it. She believes every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential and has spent her career advocating for children, supporting families, and building programs that make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

Her kindness, wisdom, and dedication have touched generations of children, families, colleagues, and community partners. She is respected by all, loved by many, and admired for the compassion she brings to everything she does.

MaryAnn, thank you for four decades of service, leadership, and unwavering belief in children and families. Your work has changed lives, strengthened our community, and created opportunities for countless children to receive the supports they need to succeed.

Wishing you a birthday filled with joy, celebration, and all the love you so generously give to others throughout the year. Happy Birthday! 🎉💛

06/01/2026

Happy !

By age 8, children are growing in confidence, independence, and how they connect with the world around them. 💛

At this stage, you may notice:
📚 Stronger reading skills – diving into chapter books and understanding more complex stories
🧠 Growing thinking skills – making sense of concepts like money, time, and fractions
🏃‍♀️ More coordinated movement – smoother jumping, spinning, and active play
✏️ Improved writing – smaller, neater handwriting and more detailed work
🤝 A sense of belonging – wanting to be part of teams, clubs, or groups
🏡 Increased responsibility – helping with tasks like laundry or caring for a pet

These milestones reflect not just skill-building, but a growing sense of independence, confidence, and connection. ✨

All children develop differently; however, if you have any developmental concerns, bring them up to your child's pediatrician or contact a Help Me Grow Escambia care coordinator at 850-378-0322 or through our website at www.helpmegrowescambia.org, who will be able to connect you to necessary resources.

05/29/2026

Help Me Grow Escambia will be on site at Community Health Northwest Florida's "Early Detection = Better Protection", its 2nd Annual Wellness Visit event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 30th, at the Jackson Street Main Site, 2315 W. Jackson St.

We will be providing information about our program, discussing our free developmental screenings, and explaining why monitoring your child's developmental milestones matters.

Come see us! We can't wait to meet you!

No more excuses — your annual checkup isn't going to schedule itself. 😄

This Saturday, May 30, our Jackson Street location is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. so the workweek can't get in your way. Stop by or — even better — call ahead to lock in your spot! Adult checkups, paps, or if you just need a little help getting started finding a doctor, we've got you covered.

05/28/2026

Join us in celebrating Shannon Shaunak

Join us in celebrating Shannon Shaunak, Speech Language Pathologist at Pearl Nelson Center, during National Speech-Language-Hearing Month. 💛

Shannon is passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment where children feel comfortable enough to connect, communicate, and try new things. She loves helping children grow in confidence while supporting families through meaningful everyday interactions at home.

We’re grateful for the compassion, encouragement, and care Shannon brings to the children and families she serves each day.

05/28/2026

Join us in celebrating Melissa Stone, Speech Language Pathologist at Pearl Nelson Center, during National Speech-Language-Hearing Month. 💛

Melissa loves helping children build confidence through connection, play, and communication. For her, some of the most meaningful moments are the small interactions that lay the foundation for bigger milestones to come.

We’re grateful for the encouragement, positivity, and care Melissa brings to the children and families she serves each day.

05/27/2026

Sometimes, everything is right on track.
Sometimes, a little extra support can help.

Either way - a developmental screening gives you answers.

It’s quick.
It’s free.
And it’s designed to support you - not judge.

All children develop differently; however, if you have any developmental concerns, bring them up to your child's pediatrician or contact a Help Me Grow
Escambia care coordinator at 850-378-0322 or through our website at www.helpmegrowescambia.org, who will be able to connect you to necessary resources.

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. 🇺🇸

As families come together, it can also be a meaningful opportunity to talk with children about remembrance, gratitude, and the people who have made sacrifices for others.

Moments like these help shape how children understand the world, build empathy, and connect with the values we pass on to them.

From all of us at Help Me Grow Escambia, we remember and honor those who served.

05/22/2026

🇺🇸 Memorial Day Weekend Fun for Little Ones 🇺🇸

Looking for easy, low-pressure activities this holiday weekend? These playful ideas are especially great for children who may benefit from extra sensory support, communication practice, or movement-based play - while still being fun for the whole family. 💛

Swipe through for simple ways to build connection, encourage development, and enjoy the long weekend together. 🌞