Welcome, May

Greetings!

Spring is in full bloom and so is our community! 🌼

Here’s what you’ll find in this issue:

🌷 Preschool Promise 2026–2027 applications are now OPEN

📚 Simple, everyday ways to start reading with your toddler

💛 Parenting blog spotlight: Sacred Tresses: Raising a Black Child Means Caring for Their Crown by Ayisha Elliot

☕ Parent Cafés & local resources to help you connect and grow

🌍 Local events celebrating:

Mother’s Day 🌸 • AAPI & Jewish American Heritage Month • Mental Health Month • Bike Month 🚲

We’re so glad you’re here. 💛

Apply Now: 2026-2027 Preschool Promise

The Preschool Promise application for the 2026-27 school year is now open.

Seeking Kindergarten or KITS information? Our recent Special Edition Newsletter is a great place to start. You can find it here.

Let's Read!

Reading to Toddlers

Did you know that 90% of a child’s brain develops before age three?

This video shows easy ways to help your toddler start loving books. Snuggling up and reading together helps your child feel safe and builds strong brain connections as they learn and grow.

All children from birth to kindergarten who live within the 4J and Bethel districts can get a free Eugene Public Library card, even if you live outside City limits. Follow the instructions for a Resident card, regardless of your home address.

Learn more here!

Parenting Blog

Sacred Tresses: Raising a Black Child Means Caring for Their Crown

"In Black culture, hair is not simply an aesthetic choice. It is a ritual, a legacy, and a living symbol of identity. The condition of a Black child's hair communicates something to the world, and to the child, about whether they are seen, loved, and cared for."

Check out the latest blog from contributor Ayisha Elliott on the Hub site here

Local Resources

FREE BOOKS FOR ALL!

WHEN: Saturday, May 30, 10am – 2pm

WHERE: North Eugene High School, 250 Silver Lane, Eugene

• Books are available on a first-come, first served basis, so arrive early!
• Parents and guardians are welcome to choose up to 10 FREE BOOKS per student for home libraries, with a 30 books maximum limit per family. Please bring bags or wagons to transport books.
• Educators and school staff may choose up to 50 FREE BOOKS for their classrooms.
• Hundreds of FREE LEGO BRICK BOXES available while supplies last.
• Enjoy the community resource area with local partners, family-friendly activities, and free popcorn!

Con Corazón Mental Health Services

At Con Corazón Mental Health Services, our mission is to offer compassionate, culturally conscious, and trauma-informed care that honors the full humanity of each person. Rooted in personal collective healing, we support Spanish speakers, immigrants, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others from marginalized communities through therapeutic approaches that center dignity, connection, and liberation. We offer a wide variety of types of therapy, and can accept OHP/Sliding scale payment options. For more information, please visit our website.

SUNDAY FARMERS MARKETS IN SPRINGFIELD

For over a century, the Lane County Farmers Market has connected local growers and producers with community members who value local, fresh food. Starting this June, we are thrilled to be serving more of Lane County than ever before with a fresh, new market in Springfield.

WHO: 40+ farms and food artisans that you know and love (plus some new faces!)

WHEN: Every Sunday (June - October) from 9AM - 2PM

WHERE: Springfield Public Library Parking Lot (225 Fifth Street) in Springfield, OR

Cultural Spotlight

No One Can Replace Mom—But We Hope You Get a Break Anyway, from our friends at ARC of Lane County

Mother's Day came and went. We hope you found a moment—however small—to rest, recharge, and feel celebrated

As one way to support a little self-care, the ARC invites you to join other moms for a fun afternoon of creating, crafting, and connection. Families Connected will host a Mother's Jewelry-Making Workshop on Saturday, May 21, from 2 to 4 pm. Come design your own beaded necklace, earrings, or bracelet while enjoying time with other mothers.

Asian Night Market 2026

Friday, May 22 5-10 pm

Eugene Downtown Farmers Market Pavilion & Plaza 8th & Oak Sts.

Welcome to the Asian Night Market! Bring your family and friends for a delightful evening of Asian cultural performances, a wide selection of Asian foods, a marketplace of craft vendors, and more.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Month and a wonderful time to experience the rich cultural diversity and influence of Asian night markets as they exist throughout Asia, and now, right here in Eugene. So mark your calendar, and join us for a fun evening out in downtown Eugene!

May is Jewish American Heritage Month, where we celebrate the achievements and contributions of Jewish Americans. These picture books celebrate Jewish culture, tradition, language, and beliefs. They are important windows, doors, and mirrors to allow children to see themselves and build empathy and understanding

It’s nev­er too ear­ly to offer young­sters tools that will allow them to be present in the moment. In addi­tion to teach­ing var­i­ous forms of breath­work, rest, and visu­al­iza­tion, Jew­ish Mind­ful­ness for Kids con­nects the prac­tice of mind­ful­ness to Jew­ish tra­di­tions.

Joy in the Journey: Celebrating Children’s Mental Health Action (Acceptance) Day Across Oregon

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Oregon Family Support Network recognizes this day is more than a moment. It is a movement rooted in connection, understanding, and action. Join 14 community partners offering families direct access to local supports, services, and opportunities. These partnerships help extend the reach of care and ensure families know they are not navigating challenges alone.

May is Bike Month



All throughout the month of May, join your community in celebrating everything bicycle. There’s something for everyone.

Don't miss the Library to Library Community Bike Ride on May 23. Meet up at the Downtown Eugene Public Library at 11 a.m. Most of the 5-mile route will be on the river bike path. Then return by LTD bus -- or ride back for a 10-mile loop. See the route map.  

There are optional rest and activity spots along the way, including a read-aloud of the picture book "Duck on a Bike," a slalom challenge, a chalk art station, a visit to the Kalapuya Talking Stones, and a short tour of Springfield Public Library. Plus get a special zine, bike noisemakers and more. 

Thanks for reading our newsletter! We would love to hear your feedback on the content of our newsletter, questions, or recommendations on what you would like to read about next time. Feel free to send us an email at education@unitedwaylane.org.

Thanks to Crosscultural Now for Spanish translation. (Some translation provided by DeepL.) Deep appreciation to the team at ODHS for keeping our community connected. Newsletter edited by Lisa Milton.

The Early Childhood Hub of Lane County is your local parenting education hub.

Our mission is to ensure all parents in Lane County have the knowledge, tools, and support to nurture their child’s optimal development for success in school and life.