1
summer 2010
on the
home front news from simpson housing services
Bright Spaces for Simpson families Rooms at Bell House, Passage Community and Elliot Park are revamped to brighten the lives of children and teens
T
his past winter, staff and volunteers from Bright Horizons Family Solutions child care centers, Walman Optical, and Bright Horizons Foundation for Children, raised money and created four Bright Space Rooms for Children. Included in the new spaces are listening stations for children to use when parents are participating in intake appointments and computers with child sized keyboards. Backpacks filled with activities and play stations are also in the spaces. The Bright Spaces were created in honor of Minneapolis native and early childhood education pioneer Jim Greenman, who was devoted to creating these spaces in Bright Horizons centers and in places serving children in need around the world. Go to www.simpsonhousing.org for the full story.
Kids celebrate a great school year with a day at Nickelodeon Universe
S
chool aged children in the Family Housing programs who achieved 95% attendance during the 2009-2010 term celebrated the end of the school year with a day at Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America. PHOTO ABOVE: Tija receives her attendance award from her Education Support Advocate Rachel. Rachel reports: “Tija has made huge academic improvements this year. She finished the year with excellent attendance and her mother, Tracy, continuously encourages her to always do her best.�
Lamar enjoys the Soar Rollerskating Party in April.
PHOTO LEFT: Kamaria and Maxine enjoy deco-
rating cookies at the Bright Spaces Ribbon Cutting Celebration. Spaces were remodeled at Passage Community Housing, Elliot Park Apartments and Bell House. The new spaces include durable play centers such as kitchens and dress-up clothes closets and a comfortable space with a Wii and educational games for the Family Housing teen group.
www.simpsonhousing.org