Happy new year & what to look forward to in 2025

In the darkness of last January, we had the spark of an idea: create what we wished we’d had when our kids (or we) were overwhelmed and under-supported, school was awful, and the meltdowns were many. Offer parents and teachers empathetic and practical support centered in lived experience and developmental expertise, and build an inclusive, non-judgmental community with whom to laugh, problem solve, and feel a little less alone.

It’s hard to believe it’s been just a year.

What we’ve done

Lots of Huddles!  We’ve gathered online to learn, share, and problem-solve together. We’ve started building our community, and we’ve left each Huddle with a plan.

1:1 Coaching. We’ve offered empathy, education, and practical strategies in private coaching sessions. “Office Hours” every Wednesday afternoon are free of charge and open to anyone who wants to talk something out.

Lots of writing. Our website is full of learning, sharing, advice, and humor for people who want to stay anonymous while they learn or connect. No paywall, no judgment, no registration.

Partnerships. We’ve worked with parent groups, day camps, and other nonprofit organizations to help them create inclusive, effective spaces for all children, especially those who struggle.

Organizational foundations. We are officially incorporated as a nonprofit in Canada (hurrah!). We have sound financial and strategic infrastructure and governance and an amazing Board and Advisory Team leading our way.

What’s up next

More programs! We have so much we’re excited to do. In the first months of 2025, we’re talking transitions – Transition to Kindergarten, Transition to Adulthood, and why transitions are so darn hard. We’ll keep adding Huddles based on what folks need. We’re also extending free Office Hours into 2025, so sign up, and let’s chat. Or refer a family, client, or friend.

More partnerships. We’re talking with nonprofits, schools, and hospitals about how The Huddle for Families can serve their clients and help make their own spaces as inclusive as possible.

Charitable status. We have applied for official Canadian charitable status, and hope to also earn US 501(c)3 status. This will make donations tax deductible and open doors to more partnerships and grants.

What you can do

Spread the word! Refer friends and family who might benefit from programs. Share the link to your favorite blog article (here’s mine). Show our website to your developmental pediatrician and OT. Introduce us to someone in your parent association. Like and share what we post on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Do what I do and talk about The Huddle for Families endlessly in social situations and Ubers. Our community grows best through personal connections, so you’re the key to reaching more families.

Help us grow. Have ideas or expertise to offer? We’d love to hear it. Have questions? We love requests for Huddle and article topics! Know an expert on US charitable status for Canadian nonprofits? Please! If you haven’t been to a Huddle yet, come on in! We love when people share their own experiences to help others feel less alone. Lastly, this is not a fundraising email, but we adore surprise donations when we aren’t even asking (and we can always use them!).

You have already done so much

You’ve donated to test the website and surprised us over Thanksgiving with big donations. You’ve taken care of the detail work and helped me process out loud over coffee, zoom, or phone. You gave time, funding, and encouragement before you even knew what or who we were. And you’ve shared your stories, your worries, and your fierce, protective love for your amazing children. You’ve taken what you’ve learned at Huddles and been a voice for inclusion and understanding at your schools, camps, and parent groups. You’ve done so much to support families and children and The Huddle for Families, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you.

I hope your new year is peaceful.

I hope your snow days are fluffy, and your mittens always have a pair. Most of all, I hope you can remember that from here on out, there will be more and more light, and less and less darkness.

Warmest regards,

Jacqui