A Note from Our CEO

Greetings!

On the first day of every month, the very first thing I say is, "Rabbit, Rabbit." Saying it first thing on the first day of the month is supposed to bring you good luck all month long. I learned this silly superstition from my high school math teacher decades ago. Many years later, I still say "Rabbit, Rabbit." My kids say "Rabbit, Rabbit." And I've learned that all of my high school classmates - scattered across the country - still say "Rabbit, Rabbit" too.

It's silly. But it's also a tradition. And that tradition connects me to people I love, to a community that spans decades and geography. Every first of the month, I feel that connection.

That's the thing about traditions and rituals - they give us roots. They help us belong. And belonging matters profoundly, especially for children. When children experience a strong sense of belonging, it buffers them when they're frightened or facing trauma. Research now shows that positive childhood experiences - experiences of relationship, of connection, of belonging - lead to healthy outcomes. The more positive experiences a child has, the more likely they are to grow up physically and mentally healthy, to succeed in school, to build meaningful lives.

I know that saying "Rabbit, Rabbit" won't change the world. But every month, it reminds me that I belong to something bigger than myself. And that feeling? That's worth nurturing in ourselves and in our children.

What are your silly traditions?



Warmly,



Lori Lander Goodman

Chief Executive Officer