Leading Authorities at Bright Beginnings

A lady with a young child

We here at Leading Authorities are excited and proud of our involvement in the community, particularly our commitment to Bright Beginnings, a "child and family development center that offers a bright start for homeless infants, toddlers and preschoolers and their families." 

It's an honor for us to be able to work with such an important organization. Bright Beginnings is nationally accredited and helps close to 200 children every year, many of whom are living in crisis shelters or transitional housing. Around the holiday season, many BBI parents do not have the means to provide a Thanksgiving meal for their children, and the LAI staff responds with donations of time, money, and supplies.

Bright Beginnings

It is especially important to the LAI staff here in Washington, D.C., where families with young children are among the fastest growing segments of the homeless population.

The spirit of giving holds true throughout the year at LAI, volunteering to help with meals, playtime, and story time, but it is perhaps strongest during the holiday season, with staff participating in their holiday toy drive and a generous donation to Bright Beginnings.

On Tuesday, CEO Mark French presented LAI's annual gift to Dr. Betty Jo Gaines, Executive Director of Bright Beginnings, before the Association Lecture Series with Major Garrett at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 

 

"I first learned about Bright Beginnings from my colleague, Lucinda DeCastro [Leading Authorities' Director of Events], who opened up my eyes to the needs of children," said Mark French.

Bright Beginnings, Lucinda

"She made me think about what the children of homeless people do during the day," Mark continued, "where do they learn, where can they get a nutritious meal, and where can they go to feel safe? These are things that we and our children take for granted each and every day. But for children right here in our own city of Washington it is far from guaranteed."

Bright Beginnings, Mark French

Dr. Betty Jo Gaines, Executive Director of Bright Beginnings, accepts a donation from Leading Authorities CEO Mark French on Tuesday

Before Tuesday's ALS, we were proud to showcase just a few of the many special moments LAI staff shared with some of the kids at Bright Beginnings (with some help from LAI Video, naturally):

If interested in learning more, take a moment to visit Bright Beginnings, learn about its events, programs, and, maybe most importantly, how you can help (there are numerous ways to donate, both time and money, including an online form).

Please feel free to call to learn more about Bright Beginnings.

Bright Beginnings

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