“Higgeldy-piggeldy bumblebee, won’t you say your name for me,” sings three-and-a-half-year-old Hannah during a lively session of Mother Goose in Port Coquitlam. This popular program uses songs and rhymes to foster early language skills and help parents connect with their babies and toddlers. Watching Hannah flash a big smile at everyone she meets and sing with delight during the program, you’d have a hard time believing she was once a really shy kid who struggled to communicate with others. Her shyness was particularly worrisome for her mother, Tanya, who had had a tough childhood growing up. “I was bullied as a child,” Tanya shares. “I always thought Hannah would be too, because she was so shy and so withdrawn, so clingy to me.” The young mom credits the Mother Goose program run by Westcoast Family Centres, a United Way-supported agency, for helping her daughter develop both language and social skills. “My favourite memory is when Hannah started really coming out of her shell,” reflects Tanya. “They always [play] London Bridge and she wouldn’t do it; she was always afraid. And now, she’s the first one lined up,” says Tanya with a grin. “Even her daycare teachers say they’ve noticed a big change in her.” Tanya brings Hannah as well as her two-year-old son, Jacob, to Mother Goose regularly. Jacob is very active and particularly enjoys doing the actions to each song. He’s helped by his big sister, who is keen on teaching him all the songs she’s grown to learn—and love—from Mother Goose. At United Way, we know that healthy starts lead to bright futures. Because of the generous contributions of our donors, we are able to support programs like Mother Goose, which ensure that kids like Hannah and Jacob grow up with a song on their lips—and with every opportunity to reach their full potential. Behind every changed life is someone who made it happen. None of the work that United Way does would be possible without the support of our donors. Help us raise $1,500,000 so 6,400 more kids get a great start. Your gift means kids have access to mentoring, homework help, counseling and Mother Goose to help them grow up great. Support kids to be all that they can be. Please give generously.
