Help Me Grow National Forum

Help Me Grow National Forum 2025
Weathering Any Storm:
Building Resilient Early Childhood Systems
July 14-16, 2025

Co-hosted by the HMG National Center and HMG Connecticut, Forum 2025 featured affiliate presentations, facilitated networking opportunities, a kickoff ceremony at Dunkin’ Park, keynote address, National Center plenary, and co-host sessions showcasing HMG Connecticut, the birthplace of the HMG Model. 

I’m taking away fresh ideas and inspiration for outreach strategies. I’m encouraged that other affiliates share and understand some of our same struggles!

Melinda Corey
HMG Maine

I love HMG! The keynote was inspiring and 100% correct. It led me to ask HMG National if we can name the elimination of child poverty as a shared goal within the targeted universalism framework. In today’s environment, let’s name it and eradicate it.

Sarah Sjolie
HMG Nebraska

It was inspiring to connect with peers committed to early childhood systems change from across the country. Some key takeaways included centering family voice, using data to drive equity, and building strong cross-sector partnerships. I’m also inspired to use “joy as resistance.”

Sharon Elmensdorp
HMG Ventura, CA

The partnership between Help Me Grow National and Safe Babies, a program of ZERO TO THREE, has been an example of collaboration and co-creating. Thank you for the amazing work you and your affiliates do to impact families and systems!

Amber Rettke
Safe Babies: A Program of ZERO TO THREE

I wish our families could know how much thought and energy goes into this Model!

Diana McGee
HMG Long Island, NY

I wish our families could know how much thought and energy goes into this Model. To see so much open sharing and generosity of knowledge has been encouraging and motivating. The vibe of session rooms was accepting and inclusive, and as a new member of the HMG ecosystem, I’m grateful to have felt comfortable to share and learn, even as a newbie.

Diana McGee
HMG Long Island, NY

It is so amazing to see faces we have connected with for years in person!

I keep thinking there are so many motivated game changers for families that come to mind across each of the sessions I’ve attended. I only wish they were here to see themselves in this story. For those who are present, what a beautiful web of support that is physically manifested in this space. Such hope and encouragement in the power of people… even in times like this. I love HMG.

Darneshia Allen
Safe Babies: A Program of ZERO TO THREE

I always look forward to the feeling of excitement at the Forum and appreciate the knowledge and new connections I take home with me. I’ve already gathered some new ideas to share with my team about how we can improve HMG in Florida.

Ashley Houk
HMG Florida

Thank you for this incredible opportunity to connect with old colleagues and new faces from all around the nation!

Ben Vondras
HMG Oregon

HMG Oswego has been around for about a year and has impacted over 600 children and their families so far. I like how it brings families and organizations together. HMG gives me purpose.

Emma Gage
HMG Oswego, NY

I have enjoyed every minute of this year’s Forum. Thank you for the hard work that went into each detail. We are proud to be a small part of the larger Help Me Grow family.

HMG West Virginia

This is one of the highlights of the year! Very excited to be here. Excellent job HMG CT!

Stephanie Norton
HMG North Texas

HMG in my community has brought awareness and excitement for promoting early childhood amongst parents, professionals, and families!

HMG Long Island, NY

Though we learn from the diverse systems across different states, we share a common goal — to pave the way for future generations.

Aoy Santavysuk
HMG Pinellas, FL

 

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