Lena’s Story
Lena’s World Got a Little Brighter…Thanks to You
When Lena first came to the Nursery, she was just two years old—small, quiet, and carrying the heavy weight of fear. Loud noises made her flinch. She clung tightly to her stuffed bunny, eyes scanning the room, unsure of who to trust.
Her mom, Jasmine, had been in survival mode and needed a safe place for her daughter to stay while she sorted out their living situation.
At first, Lena barely spoke, just shrugged her tiny shoulders. Her eyes stayed fixed on the ground. But in the warm, nurturing care of the Nursery, things began to change.
With gentle encouragement from staff and joyful playtime with other children, Lena found laughter again. She found comfort in the predictability of daily routines, her eyes lighting up during story time and painting activities. Slowly, her walls began to fall away – replaced by little smiles, curiosity, and the bravery to try new things.
Jasmine noticed the difference too. “She got the chance to just be a kid again,” she said. For the first time in a while, Lena didn’t have to worry about what came next. She didn’t have to listen to grown-up conversations about finding furniture or making rent. She just knew that when Mommy came back, they’d have a place to call home.
Today, Lena is thriving. She loves to sing, build tall towers with blocks, and proudly shows off her drawings – each colorful masterpiece a sign of her growing confidence. Jasmine hangs every one of them on their fridge at home, a reminder of the comfort and safety they’ve found at the Nursery.
You make this possible. Every moment of joy, every ounce of healing—you helped make it happen. Thank you for standing with children and families when they need it most.
Philanthropic partners like you make up more than 80% of what it takes to keep the Nursery open for children like Lena.
The WHY
Hundreds of families experiencing crisis turn to Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery every year. They are facing housing instability, financial stress, domestic violence, exhaustion, and other difficult situations.
Your support connects these families to critical resources to help stabilize their family and move them out of crisis. It takes $1,300 to care for a child for 3 days. They are provided with homemade meals, winter clothing, enriching play and new friendships, a warm cozy bed at tuck-in time, and highly qualified staff to care for them around the clock.
Nursery services are free to families because of caring individuals. In fact, 80% of the Nursery’s $5.3 million budget comes from contributions from generous people like you.
Today, YOU can be the difference between crisis and stability for a child and their family. Thank you for your commitment to strengthening families and giving children a bright future.