Thrive Laconia Thrive Laconia is a grassroots effort to increase the awareness of the importance of the first five years and engage businesses in early childhood and family support services.

Branding & Communication The Thrive Laconia Facebook page tops the list of branding and communication efforts. During the month of September 2016, Thrive had an article about the importance of early screening and referral published in the Daily Sun, Laconia Citizen, and Gilford Steamer newspapers. On November 9, Thrive Laconia hosted an event for stakeholders and community champions. The event featured Spark NH banners, the agenda included a light dinner, Bedrock video, Thrive data harvest results, and an open-space activity to determine 3 focus areas: strengthening families, understanding the impact of trauma, and investing in kids. January 2017 the logo was changed to better reflect the focus on our youngest citizens, and the vitality of our work. Branding & Communication The Thrive Laconia Facebook Page tops the list of branding and communication efforts. Visit @thrivelaconia

Why Business Needs Babies On March 9, Thrive Laconia welcomed business leaders, HR department heads, and major funders to hear about why the early years are important to the future of the local economy and the way of life in the Lakes Region, what the research says, and what are some concrete steps businesses can take to support today's workforce and help build the workforce of tomorrow. A business ambassadors group was established to help local businesses compete in today's marketplace, build a foundation for lasting economic security, and help children get on track to succeed in school and life. Thrive Laconia, in collaboration with other organizations, is planning summer trainings for HR departments in Mind in the Making and Trauma Informed Services (open to the public). Why Business Needs Babies Thrive Laconia welcomed business leaders, HR department heads, and major funders to hear about why the early years are important to the future of the local economy and the way of life in the Lakes Region.

Vroom Early Childhood Settings City Newsletter Currently Vroom is being used in a number of early childhood and family support settings in the Lakes Region. The Family Resource Center of Central NH (FRC) playgroup Giggles and Grins uses the free materials and curriculum with an avg. of 45 children monthly, 20 FRC staff are fluent in Vroom, and 50 FRC families are using the application Lakes Region Child Care Services is using Vroom in all 4 centers, this equals 22 classrooms (40 staff) - serving 300 children (age 6 weeks to 5 years) - over 600 parents have been exposed to the materials and the application The Laconia City Newsletter – promotes Vroom website and application weekly - 3000 on the distribution list Additionally… Vroom billboard on main commuter route. Vroom Early Childhood Settings City Newsletter Billboard on Commuter Route joinvroom.org

Thrive billboard January – March 2017 - Telling drivers, “You already have what it takes to be a brain builder.” Parent testimonial: ‘After seeing the billboard a couple of time - on my commute – I looked at the VROOM website and then downloaded the app. It’s empowering to know that I am enough…and that I can use everyday moments to help my child grow smarter.’ Vroom Billboard Billboard - 13,000 cars daily. Telling drivers, “You already have what it takes to be a brain builder.”

Author Ellen Galinsky – already the go-to person on interaction between families and the workplace – draws on fresh research to explain what we ought to be teaching our children, and with the Bezos foundation, developed a training series for the general public, families, and professionals. MITM can help children and adults thrive now and in the future. The main take aways of the 8 Modules are that life skills emerge early, the development of these skills must be promoted, any child care learn these skills, any adult can teach these skills and promoting these skills doesn’t call for expensive toys or equipment or lots of time – it does involve fun and using everyday things in new ways! Module topics include, Focus and Self Control, Perspective Taking, Communicating, Making Connections, Critical Thinking, Taking On Challenges, and Self-Directed, Engaged Learning…the things we all need to be successful Mind in the Making Facilitated Learning of Seven Essential Life Skills: Focus and Self Control, Perspective Taking, Communicating, Making Connections, Critical Thinking, Taking On Challenges, and Self-Directed, Engaged Learning

Thrive Laconia is currently training 45 early childhood professionals in the Central Region, and with our Business Ambassadors‘ help is planning a summer series for local business professionals. Mind In The Making Currently training 45 EC professionals in the Central Region.

In District Meetings Laconia – Senator Harold French Members of Thrive Laconia works with Smart Start NH Child Care Advocacy Table and Family Friendly Economy host and moderate in district meetings with NH Senators on issues related to affordable child care and paid family leave. In District Meetings Laconia – Senator Harold French

Legislative Hearings House Finance Committee Members of Thrive Laconia testify at legislative and hearings regarding state funding for child care subsidy and paid family leave. Legislative Hearings House Finance Committee

Thrive Thrive Laconia is an unfunded initiative. Lead partners include: The Family Resource Center of Central NH and Lakes Region Child Care Services. It is supported in part by Early Learning NH. Events have been sponsored by Grappone Automotive and Spark NH.