"When my family became part of Peninsula Children's Center in September 2007, we were freshly reunited from a long year and a half of foster care, counseling, learning and healing. We were living in transitional housing at the YWCA, and were dealing with the aftereffects of domestic violence and being separated by the Department of Human Services. My boys Jaden and James suffered from severe separation anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. I had some time to stay home with them to help them adjust, but eventually Mommy had to go back to work. We tried a couple daycares; some horrible, some ok. When I found Peninsula I knew right away my children would be safe, loved, and most importantly understood. The teachers remembered our names right away and showed genuine interest in Jaden and James.

Peninsula Children's Center has remained one of the key sources of consistency in my children's lives. We've been through many big changes, and I cannot express how important this role has been to the stability of our lives as a whole. If you do not have good child care the rest of your life can be profoundly affected. Peninsula has not only provided care for my children while I am at work; they have provided an entire network of support for every family. The support from teachers and staff has had an immense impact on my parenting and self care. Not to mention, their partners in the community such as Morrison Child and Family Services aand Center for Family Success who have both guided us through the child welfare system and the healing of our family.

I am truly grateful for Peninsula for taking such good care of my babies. Their role as caregiver is sincerely defined as mentors that are filling the shoes of many a working parent. My children are in their care for over 9 hours a day which seems like more time than I actually spend with them. Those 9 hours are so important in their overall development. It could honestly make or break a child's emotional, social and cognitive wellbeing. It impacts their learning ability and self confidence.

My children have thrived while enrolled at Peninsula Children's Center. My daughter Jenaya was born 10 weeks premature and has been in their care since she was 2 months old. The infant room teahers have taken exceptionally good care of her. Every teacher has gone above and beyond the standard of teaching. They enjoy and delight in my children just as I, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

Nina Poulshock
Peninsula Parent  

“We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to you and your teachers for providing our children with care, education, and, of course, love. We are blessed to have found your organization and chosen you to be responsible for taking care of our children for a big part of our day while we both work. I know I will continue to support your organization through my United Way contributions at work so that other families can benefit from your great work.”
Ellen Ridgeway
Peninsula Parent

“The Incredible Years Parenting Class is an awesome group. It helps so much to be able to share issues and ideas. Also, to hear others are experiencing similar challenges.”

Aaron Micheals
Peninsula Parent

“I always give Peninsula much, much credit for helping me with my son over the five years he attended, and I give you much credit for his academic success. He recently took his LSAT (law test) and received a score of 170 out of 180, top 2 %.

You can imagine how proud I am. I'm Anita, husband Bruce, son - your true testimony -- Owen. He's 24 now, so he started at St Johns (your old name) when he was 18 months old (in 1983), through kindergarten at Chief Joseph. He attended 8 yrs at Holy Redeemer, LaSalle High School, then Reed College (2004) as a history major. I was always sending you folks his notices and accomplishments.

Like any family-like atmosphere, we didn't always agree but we worked it out so we both knew where we were coming from. I always tried to follow your discipline styles to be consistent.

Bruce worked at home in those days so he would take Owen to day care and pick him up. I worked fulltime so I would involve myself more in nighttime activities such as being on the board for awhile --- always meeting wonderful people.

I always paid the day care bill first because I knew Owen would have breakfast and lunch (that good Alexander kitchen) even if we didn't have much at home.

I really don't know much else to say but I can never say enough about you!”

Love, Anita
Former Peninsula Parent