Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Room to Grow
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By now most of you have probably heard of Room to Grow (RTG). The non profit organization, whose mission is to enrich the lives of babies born into poverty throughout their first three years, opened in 1998 in New York City. Julie Burns, wife of documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, founded it after seeing the dire need to make a difference in the very beginning of a child’s life, before permanent damage could be done.
Room to Grow opened an office in Boston three years ago and has been growing in size and stature since. Two years ago their Fall Gala generated massive media attention thanks to the involvement of Uma Thurman and the large number of high profile Bostonian who attended.
Last Saturday, the second fall gala had a more intimate feel, appropriate for the times, and generated just as much buzz and excitement. Some of Boston’s most powerful citizens including Mayor Thomas Menino, Abigail Johnson, John Henry, Lawrence Zabar and the Red Sox Foundation were there to support Room to Grow.
Last year the Boston office brought on a new Executive Director. Often, a change in leadership can lead to disorganization or delays, but Room to Grow has continued to thrive and mature under Saskia Epstein’s guidance. A veteran of the non profit sector, Epstein has witnessed the many different strategies employed to help children at risk. She previously worked at City Year and the Home for Little Wanderers among others, and therefore brings a deep understanding and a wide perspective to her position at Room to Grow.
The first time I heard Epstein speak I knew Julie Burns and the RTG board had made the right decision. When explaining why she wanted to join RTG, she told a story that will forever make Room to Grow a priority for me. Describing a conversation she had with a co-worker, she said he asked what they could do to more effectively help the hundreds of children who “fell off the cliff” in our society, who are hurt, neglected, undernourished or somehow left to fend for themselves. As she talked about better providing medical care, counseling and the like, he looked at her and said “No Saskia, we need to build a fence.”
RTG is a fence built to save babies born into poverty from falling off that cliff and missing opportunities for healthy, productive, happy lives. Thanks to Epstein and her team at Room to Grow in Boston, the chapter is planning to double the number of babies they help in the next year to two years. They currently serve 200 babies and their parents, and are poised to expand that number to 400.
Despite or maybe because of the fiscal crisis consuming Wall Street, the media, the government, you and me, the gala was a festive success. As evidenced by the many fundraisers held that night, Boston’s best come out to support those who truly need their help even when times are tough. As one guest put it, “If you think you and I have it hard right now, think of what it’s like for a pregnant, single woman living below the poverty line.”
Saskia’s brother-in-law Theo Epstein was one of the hosts who brought a personal, sincere tone to the evening. Mayor Menino received an achievement award and thanked the group with a uncharacteristically emotional speech. The Boston Children’s Chorus sang two beautiful songs and Beth Teitell, author of From Here to Maternity and Drinking Problems at the Fountain of Youth entertained everyone with a highly relatable (judging from the audience’s non-stop laughter) comedic take on parenthood.
Lucky Mike Barnacle was joined by RTG board member Uma Thurman on stage and raised $100,000 for just four items in the live auction.
Epstein says the gala drew a mix of long time supporters of Room to Grow and people eager to learn more. “We were struck by how supportive both groups of people were,” Epstein says, “And everyone was connected by a deep understanding of why they were there. It’s not just another Saturday night out.”
At last count, the event raised over $400,000. Epstein and her team were thrilled to see the event generating more support than they ever expected in this economy. “It’s like people were more inspired and realized they could really make a difference.” she said.
With all the growth planned, Epstein explains that volunteer help is needed more than ever. There are many ways to get involved. Volunteers can collect, sort and distribute goods and set up collection days. “We remain a place where it is easy to make a difference” Epstein says.
RTG has recently expanded their volunteer hours so that people can come help at times convenient to them. “Come with a group of friends, spend a couple hours volunteering and then go out to dinner.” Epstein recommends. RTG is also open to having families volunteer together. If you are interested in volunteering with your children, contact RTG and they will set a time. Please visit the Room to Grow website for more information on volunteering.
“In so many ways we are different,” Epstein quietly observes. “But the deep love we all feel for our children and our desire to be the best parents we can possibly be, is the same for all of us.”
Room to Grow
142 Berkeley Street
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 859-4545
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