New Play & Learn Sessions:

• Create & Play: This session focuses on open-ended exploration and invites children to imagine and create, valuing the experience over the final product 天涯海角社区 鈥攊t 天涯海角社区 鈥檚 about the journey and not the destination!

• Build with Me: A relaxed, child-led session centered on discovery and collaboration. Children and caregivers will explore building together using wooden blocks, natural loose parts, and recycled materials.

Caregiver Support Sessions:

• Blooming Beginnings: This eight-week drop-in support group is designed for parents of babies under 1 year.听 Together, we 天涯海角社区 鈥檒l focus on mental health, sleep, wellness strategies, and navigating the early stages of parenthood in a supportive environment.

• Community Connect: This virtual social hour offers caregivers a space to connect, reflect, and share. Participants will learn about the weekly focus, celebrate highlights, hear about upcoming events, and share 天涯海角社区 鈥済lows and grows 天涯海角社区 鈥� alongside a program coach.

• Caregiver Support Groups: These are now a regular part of our weekly schedule! Caregivers will come together with coach facilitation to discuss shared experiences, support one another, and continue building strong community connections.

We look forward to welcoming you into these new sessions 天涯海角社区 鈥攁longside our ongoing programming. Registration for the new schedule opens Tuesday, January 20.

Welcome to our new Executive Director, Lindsey Cosgrove, who is committed to our mission 天涯海角社区 鈥攃oaching parents and caregivers on how to build their babies 天涯海角社区 鈥� brains in the first thousand days of life 天涯海角社区 鈥攚ho also brings the skills and drive to guide our next chapter.

Lindsey, a proud resident of Harlem for the last 15 years, is a versatile nonprofit leader driven by a passion for strengthening organizations that support young people and their families, and improve the systems that shape their lives.

Prior to joining The Storefront, Lindsey held leadership roles at the National Guild for Community Arts Education, Greenwich House, and Girl Scouts of Greater New York, where she helped design and launch Troop 6000 天涯海角社区 鈥攁 first-of-its-kind Girl Scout troop serving young people living in the New York City shelter system.

Lindsey puts it best: 天涯海角社区 鈥淗aving worked with organizations that serve New Yorkers of all ages, I know there is no greater influence on an experience than how it starts. The beginning of things is exceedingly important, and The Children 天涯海角社区 鈥檚 Storefront helps parents gain the tools to give their children the best possible start in life. I 天涯海角社区 鈥檝e spent my career working to expand nonprofit organizations I believe in, and to be at the helm of this one, alongside a committed board and exceptional staff, is an honor and a joy. 天涯海角社区 鈥�

Lindsey hit the ground running on May 5, 2025.

Our 2025 Storefront Ambassadors are parents, participants in our Play & Learn Program, and community leaders. Each has volunteered to support the Storefront by joining our Ambassador Program, a year-long engagement that will offer significant support to our organization. Ambassadors help to spread the word about The Children’s Storefront and will represent us over the course of 2025 at community gatherings, fundraising events, meetings at the Play & Learn Center, and online through digital engagement.

Say hello to our 2025 Storefront Ambassadors: Julie Hoppy, Ting Abric-Sun, Jamie Willingham, Nicole Chee, Christina Grell, Shannen Miller Murray, and Thais Alexander!

• Julie Hoppy: Julie is a happily married wife and stay-at-home Mother to her 19 month old daughter, Shea. Before becoming a mother she taught middle school and nannied in New York City. She has called NYC home for 13 years and been a resident of Harlem for 4 years. Julie grew up in Maryland and attended the University of Maryland School of Family Studies. Thanks to the Storefront, Julie and Shea have met so many new friends in the community!
• Ting Abric-Sun: Ting is a NYC mom of two, balancing parenting and work with her husband. Ting and her family believe in the power of education and community to shape bright futures, which is why she is passionate about supporting organizations like Children 天涯海角社区 鈥檚 Storefront. Ting is thrilled to be an ambassador and help every child thrive!
• Jamie Willingham: Jamie is a Bronx native now residing in Harlem whose family and cultural roots are from the beautiful island of Jamaica! Jamie attended Florida A&M University and has been practicing as a RN for 10 years serving critical patients within the ICU. Jamie believes that community support is one of the most essential and fundamental aspects for cultivating strong cultural and family values; she appreciates that The Children 天涯海角社区 鈥檚 Storefront has provided so many people with an opportunity to come together and feel supported at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.
• Nicole Chee:听Nicole is an Art Director and mom of three wonderful children, whose youngest has enjoyed experiencing The Children’s Storefront and its community. She loves to spend time outdoors at the park or playground or in nature as a family. Seeing how much her son has grown has been one the highlights of The Children’s Storefront, and watching him getting to know and interact with children that are the same age has been a great asset.
• Christina Grell:听Christina is a native New Yorker, first-time mom, and marketing professional passionate about community, education, and financial literacy. She believes in the power of strong support systems for families, and is honored to serve as a Storefront Ambassador. Christina loves that TCS has given her family a true sense of community 天涯海角社区 鈥攊t 天涯海角社区 鈥檚 a space where parents and caregivers can connect, share experiences, and support one another in this incredible journey of raising children. She is so grateful to be part of this village!
• Shannen Miller Murray: Shannen is originally from Dallas, TX and moved to Harlem in 2022. She received her Bachelor’s & Master of Education at Texas A&M University. She currently teaches Pilates and Barre at Harlem Pilates and Life Time Dumbo. As a new mom, Shannen has enjoyed becoming a part of the Harlem community and meeting a diversity of families!
• Thais Alexander:听Thais is a Massachusetts native, but has been a New Yorker for the past 17 years and a Harlem resident for the past 2 years. She 天涯海角社区 鈥檚 a first time mom to my daughter, Vivi, has been a practicing attorney for over 24 years and is passionate about issues regarding physical and mental health, equitable resources, and mentorship for our youth. Thais truly values and supports all the amazing work of the Storefront and is excited to contribute as an Ambassador.

Since first planning the launch of our Play & Learn Center in 2022, The Children’s Storefront has held community members’ voices close to heart every step of the way. We gathered feedback through individual conversations, focus groups, surveys, and more so that we could create a program that was truly responsive to what families wanted and needed. That commitment has continued as we’ve grown our program, and we regularly collaborate with parents and caregivers to adjust our schedule and define new program elements. These efforts have resulted in a strong, caring community of families and our Storefront team members, who invest in each other, celebrate each other’s milestones, and offer support whenever needed. So, we were not surprised when this beautiful community answered our call for the Ambassador Program!

Parents and caregivers who have participated in our program know it best. We are so grateful that the 2025 Storefront Ambassadors will be sharing their stories and experiences and introducing new individuals to The Children’s Storefront.

For more information or to connect with any of our Ambassadors, please reach out to info@thechildrensstorefront.org.

I am incredibly proud of the work we have done together and the contributions I 天涯海角社区 鈥檝e made to rebuild this organization in its new image. The Storefront is in a position we could not have dreamed of three years ago, when we were still mostly an idea that was waiting for its time to come — a pilot program, less than a handful of sessions each week, a couple of dozen families annually, and a tiny but scrappy team.

Today alone, I have heard from several parents who shared the impact the Storefront has had on them now that we’re on the other side of making that nascent dream a reality here in Harlem. One shared that when their daughter, who grew up at our Play & Learn Center, started school, she was not only ready but had advanced socially and academically beyond many of her classmates thanks to our program. Another mom shared that she’d felt alone when she first had her child, but now everywhere she goes in Harlem she runs into friends they’ve made at the Storefront. A third mom spoke about her child’s caregiver, who decided to go back to school for early childhood education because she was so inspired by The Children’s Storefront program.

I get to hear these stories every single day. Since I took the helm of the Storefront, we’ve welcomed more than 1,100 families into our program — starting a ripple effect that extends beyond the 2,500 individuals who have found support, camaraderie, early childhood information, resources to meet their needs, new friends, and so much more. Beyond any data points, the measure of success that always stuck with me was what the very first parent who walked into our Play & Learn Center on the day we opened our doors said to me: “I can immediately feel how much love you all put into creating this for us.”

Yes, this was a labor of love, and I am so happy that it has been felt by all who have been part of the Storefront over the past few years.

I’m endlessly grateful to have worked alongside the most wonderful team. From my first day, they have been by my side, sleeves rolled up, ready to work and laugh and create something that matters together. Lots of magic happened thanks to them. I can only step away because I know what trusted hands this program is in with them.

I’ve learned so much through this work, and I am forever grateful to have helped build something so impactful. Stepping down to pursue new opportunities is bittersweet, but I feel lucky to be part of the Storefront’s legacy and will always be cheering on this wonderful program.

With gratitude,
Adeline Medeiros
Executive Director
The Children’s Storefront

天涯海角社区 鈥淔or the past three years, Executive Director Adeline Medeiros has put our organization at the forefront of early brain development and built a foundation upon which our future growth will transform innumerable young lives. We are incredibly appreciative of Adeline 天涯海角社区 鈥檚 impactful legacy, 天涯海角社区 鈥� said Robert Rylee, Chairman of The Children 天涯海角社区 鈥檚 Storefront Board.

天涯海角社区 鈥淚 am grateful that the Board trusted me to lead the Storefront during a major inflection point, 天涯海角社区 鈥� shared Adeline. 天涯海角社区 鈥淭oday our organization is not only stable, but thriving, serving hundreds of families annually through a unique, exemplary program. I will always be the Storefront 天涯海角社区 鈥檚 biggest cheerleader. 天涯海角社区 鈥�

We are confident that our search, in collaboration with the search firm Tal Healthcare, will identify an Executive Director who will continue to drive our vital mission forward. To view the full role description and apply, .

The Board of Directors of The Children 天涯海角社区 鈥檚 Storefront听

Our new brand is more than just a visual update 天涯海角社区 鈥攊t 天涯海角社区 鈥檚 a reflection of our growth and renewed commitment to early childhood development. We 天涯海角社区 鈥檝e introduced a vibrant new logo, a refreshed color palette, and a modern design that embodies the spirit of connection and care that drives our work. We hope it will resonate with you as much as it does with us.

Check Out Our New Brand
Our logo captures the key elements of our mission and program: our focus on both the parent and the child; the importance of the bond and lifelong connection between caregivers and little ones; and the back-and-forth, responsive communication that builds babies’ brains.

Our color palette was chosen to evoke the feelings we hope to cultivate each time families join us in our Play & Learn Center:

• Sea Green: This cheerful green represents enlightenment and revitalization, and it conveys our focus on learning, nurturing, and soothing.
• Terracotta: This bright yet grounded orange is associated with feelings of joy, warmth, happiness, and fun — all essential parts of play! It is also one of the first colors that newborns can see.
• Dark Violet: This deep purple signifies power, growth, reflection, and introspection. We feel it connects with the reflective and feedback-rich approach we take to both our program and to supporting childhood development.
• Majorelle Blue: This bright mix of lavender and blue represents creativity, intellect, and loyalty. It conveys the strength and intuition we see in parents and caregivers.

Explore Our Redesigned Website
Along with our new brand, we 天涯海角社区 鈥檙e excited to launch our redesigned website, www.TheChildrensStorefront.org. This isn 天涯海角社区 鈥檛 just a makeover 天涯海角社区 鈥攊t 天涯海角社区 鈥檚 a complete overhaul designed to provide you with a more engaging and user-friendly experience.

• Simplified Navigation: Finding the information you need has never been easier. Our new site features a clean, intuitive layout that makes it simple to explore our programs, resources, and upcoming events.
• Program Information: You can easily check out our current Play & Learn schedule, learn about the science behind our model, and gather the latest data on our impact.
• News & Stories: We 天涯海角社区 鈥檝e added a new section to highlight the latest news at the Storefront and share stories about the positive changes happening in our community.
• Get Involved: Whether you 天涯海角社区 鈥檙e interested in volunteering, donating, or joining our board, our new website makes it easier to get involved and support our mission.

The Children’s Storefront has been part of the Harlem community since 1966. Over the past sixty years, we’ve had plenty of new looks, logos, and program shifts. But one thing has never changed: our steadfast commitment to families and children, and our deep connection to our beloved community. We hope that our new brand resonates with you and illustrates the bonding, growth, and community building that goes on each and every day in our program.

Visit us at www.TheChildrensStorefront.org to explore our new look, and and be sure to connect with us on social media to keep up with the latest news and events!

With gratitude,
The Children’s Storefront Team

Big Note, Little Note is a vibrant and engaging music education program designed specifically for early childhood development. Through interactive and enriching experiences, this program introduces our youngest learners to the world of music, fostering cognitive, emotional, and social growth from a very young age.

The program 天涯海角社区 鈥檚 core philosophy aligns seamlessly with our mission at The Children 天涯海角社区 鈥檚 Storefront 天涯海角社区 鈥� to support brain development in children from birth to three years old. Integrating music into our curriculum was a natural step, and both the Storefront and Big Note, Little Note utilize the Serve & Return model.

Why Music Matters

Research consistently shows that music education plays a crucial role in early childhood development. For infants and toddlers, music can stimulate brain development, enhance language skills, and support emotional expression. Programs like Big Note, Little Note provide a dynamic environment where children can explore sounds, rhythms, and melodies in a way that is both fun and educational.

Through activities such as singing, dancing, and playing simple instruments, children engage in experiences that promote sensory development, coordination, and social interaction. Parents also benefit from these sessions, gaining valuable tools and strategies to support their child 天涯海角社区 鈥檚 growth at home.

Expanding Horizons

Our initial launch of the Big Note, Little Note program was met with enthusiasm from both children and their families. The program was at full capacity within 30 minutes of registration opening, and we received lots of positive feedback from those who participated. Building on this success, we are excited to offer new sessions in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025, expanding the opportunity for more families to experience the benefits of this wonderful program.

These upcoming sessions will continue to provide a nurturing space where children can explore their musicality and parents can engage in meaningful, supportive interactions with their little ones. We look forward to seeing our community continue to grow and thrive through the magic of music.

A Community Celebration

The Children 天涯海角社区 鈥檚 Storefront is Carnegie Hall 天涯海角社区 鈥檚 first community-based partner in Harlem. We are honored to work closely with Carnegie Hall 天涯海角社区 鈥檚 early childhood team, and are glad that we are able to bring this storied institution directly to our families in Harlem. Together, we are committed to providing enriching experiences that contribute to lifelong success and well-being for the children and families we serve.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Carnegie Hall for their continued support and for sharing their expertise in music education with our community. It is through these partnerships that we are able to make a lasting impact on the lives of our youngest learners.

Stay tuned for more updates and information on how to participate in the upcoming sessions. We can 天涯海角社区 鈥檛 wait to see you there!