Making Space for Gratitude

Between school runs, work, and daily chaos, it’s easy to forget to slow down. This November, we’re reminding ourselves and each other to take a breath, notice the good, and practice gratitude for the small things that make each day brighter.

We asked some of our Cuyahoga Parent Connect parents how they practice gratitude with their families. Here is what they had to say:

💭 “We just recently started practicing gratitude daily. It makes a HUGE difference for everyone in our home. You can be grateful for anything - dinner, clean sheets, maybe a special snack at school. Overall, it feels like it’s had a very positive impact on our household.”

“💭 At bedtime, we pause to reflect on the day and share what we’re most grateful for.”

💭“My husband and I have a sort of gratitude jar. When we notice something we appreciate or love about the other, we write it down and leave the note somewhere for them to find. Then it goes in the jar.”

💭“I feel like I often show gratitude by telling the people in my life how awesome they are and why I love them!”

Grateful for your presence 🙏

Thank you to all the families who joined our Once Upon a Treat event and to our partners, Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland, MomsFirst, and The Fairytale Foundation for making it extra special! 🤫We have another very special holiday event coming soon, so stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram for details.

Family Resource Guide

If your family could just use a little extra support right now, you’re not alone. We’ve gathered a list of local resources for food, diapers, and family essentials. Please share with anyone who might need it. Our community is stronger when we look out for one another.

Get parenting support that works! Join our next Triple P discussion group and explore more resources on our Triple P page.

Meet the Team

Meet Dana Dorko, Positive Parenting Program Facilitator for the Triple P program. Dana holds a B.S. in Education with a focus on Mild/Moderate Special Education and spent six years as a building substitute working with students of all ages and needs. Seeing how challenging behaviors affected children and families inspired Dana to join Bright Beginnings and work with Triple P.

Dana notes: "I love helping parents build confidence and find strategies for everyday challenges. Outside of work, I’m a proud mom to a 6½-year-old daughter and 2½-year-old son. I cherish time with them and my boyfriend, whether we’re off on an adventure or enjoying a cozy day at home together."

Baby Club at the Brook Park Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library

📅Wednesday, November 5, 2025 - 10:30am to 12pm

📌 6155 Engle Rd, Brook Park, OH 44142

Come to boost your baby's brain through play!

BDCI Cradled in Community Pop-Up Baby Showers:

📅Wednesday, November 5, 2025 - 11am - 1pm

📌 Cleveland Public Library - Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch

📅Thursday, November 6, 2025 - 11am - 1pm

📌 Cleveland Public Library - Collinwood Branch

📅Friday, November 7, 2025 - 11am - 1pm

📌 Cleveland Public Library - Glenville Branch

Free events through Black Child Development Institute Ohio featuring baby essentials, breastfeeding support, safe sleep kits, community resources, mini workshops, and more!

Greater Cleveland Food Bank Community Resource Center Market

📅Tuesday, November 11, 2025 - 10am to 2pm

📌 15500 S. Waterloo Rd., Cleveland, OH 44110

The Greater Cleveland Food Bank's Community Resource Center is open to the public and provides a "one-stop shop" for community members where they can find food assistance and a variety of resources, like housing, employment, healthcare.

Newcomer Day for Congolese Speakers at the Cuyahoga County Welcome Center

📅Thursday, November 20, 2025 - 9am to 3pm

📌 4261 Fulton Parkway, Cleveland, OH 44144

The Cuyahoga County Welcome Center is a multi-service center serving residents who are immigrants, refugees, and those with limited English proficiency.

For more Bright Beginnings events, head to our events calendar!

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