Help Me Grow National Forum

Together for Children, Families, and Systems.

The Help Me Grow National Forum is the premier gathering for early childhood leaders, practitioners, policymakers, funders, and families dedicated to building strong, connected systems of care.

Each year, affiliates and partners from across the country come together to:

  • Share strategies that strengthen families and communities.
  • Highlight innovations in early childhood system-building.
  • Learn from one another through peer-to-peer exchange.
  • Elevate voices of families, providers, and leaders shaping change.

The Forum is more than a conference—it is a space for collaboration, inspiration, and action. Through plenary sessions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, participants leave with tools, connections, and renewed energy to advance the mission of Help Me Grow: ensuring every child can thrive.

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

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 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

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

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

Diana McGee
HMG Long Island, NY

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

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

HMG Long Island, NY

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

Stephanie Norton
HMG North Texas

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

Ben Vondras
HMG Oregon

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

Aoy Santavysuk
HMG Pinellas, FL

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. As s 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

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



More from Previous Help Me Grow Forums


Questions about the HMG National Forum?