Growmobile

Empower goal is to increase kindergarten readiness in our community. One of the major tools Empower plans to implement in order to accomplish this goal is the Growmobile.

The Growmobile was developed out of focus group discussions with our county's kindergarten teachers, early learning experts, county social service workers, WIC providers, English language classroom teachers, and medical professionals.  When Empower asked focus groups what some of the problems are that they see regarding children's lack of preparedness, some common themes included:

• The gap is growing between the prepared and unprepared
• Families in the gap cannot afford pre-school and do not qualify for Headstart
• Demographics tend to be low income and/or English language learners
• Lack of parent education
• Lack of transportation

Through these findings and focus group discussions, Empower began the exploratory phases of the Growmobile. Last summer Empower launched a pilot program of the Growmobile in Regency East and Regency West communities. Everyday, the Growmobile coordinator works with children exploring books, crafts, science projects, games and early learning. Within each of these areas, there have been objectives and measurement tools established to gage the success of the program.  The Growmobile also invites parents and caregivers to join the curriculum every Friday to learn how they can interact with their children help them grow in everyday situations.

This summer Empower purchased a vehicle and established a permanent Growmobile that travels around Kandiyohi County to provide early learning to day care centers, family/friend care, and in low income communities.

During the summer of 2011 the Growmobile made daily visits to five parks in Willmar as well as weekly visits to: New London, Pennock, Raymond, and Atwater.

Through United Way granting and partnerships with the Willmar Area Food Shelf and Salvations Army's Mobile Meals Program, the Growmobile also provided breakfast at each morning location, lunch during the afternoon and weekend food backpacks to serve families in need over the weekend every Friday during the summer.

During the schoo year, the Growmobile visits 20 childcare providers in Kandiyohi County. In partnership with Ridgewater College, curriculum focused on literacy and early education is provided to childcare providers on a two week rotating basis throughout the year.

For more information or to volunteer contact United Way: 320-235-1050

CLICK HERE FOR THE GROWMOBILE CURRICULUM LIST OF SUPPLIES NEEDED

Thank you to our Growmobile Sponsors:
Bernick's Family Foundation $20,000
Willmar Area Community Foundation $10,000
UPS Foundation $10,000
Best Buy Foundation $5,000
Willmar Public Schools $6,000 (two year commitment)
Rice Health Foundation $6,000 (two year commitment)
Jennie-O Turkey Store
Willmar Auto Plaza
Bremer Bank
United Way of West Central Minnesota