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Pre-conference Session prior to the New England Family Philanthropy Conference

Date:  Thursday, October 23, 2008
Time:  8:30 am – 11:30 am; Breakfast served at 8:30 am, Session opens at 9:00 am
Location:  Water's Edge Resort and Spa, Westbrook, CT

Family foundations across the country are working to improve the odds for vulnerable children by supporting efforts to strengthen their families, transform the places where they are raised, and reform the systems that provide them safety and education.

This lively conversation featured a two-generation approach to breaking the cycle of poverty -- simultaneously promoting success for parents as well as success for their children.  Foundation trustees and staff shared promising and practical strategies for:

1. Parents – increasing their ability to earn a living wage, save for the future, and be successful parents; and

2. Children – improving their ability to succeed in school with a special focus on the early childhood years.

This workshop was free and open to any family foundation trustees and staff.  Attendance at the New England Family Philanthropy Conference was encouraged, but not required.

SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

What is the two-generation approach to breaking the cycle of poverty? – John Padilla of the Annie E. Casey Foundation introduced the “two-generation” frame and why the Casey Foundation thinks it works to help kids and families.

Overview of the State of Children in Poverty in New England - Jim Horan, Executive Director of the Connecticut Association for Human Services gave insight into poverty in New England and talk about Connecticut’s child poverty reduction target, the potential for its replication and the role of philanthropy.

Funders’ Strategies and Stories

Mari Brennan Barrera, Vice President of the Eos Foundation, spoke about Eos’ objective to ensure that all children have access to food and high quality education and current focus on funding systemic solutions to vastly expanding the quantity and quality of early education and care programs in Massachusetts.

John Padilla, Annie E. Casey Foundation talked about how the Casey Foundation is investing in strategies to create Family Economic Success in New Haven, Connecticut – and throughout New England.

David Nee, Executive Director of the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund spoke about the Discovery Initiative and their core values of parent leadership and engagement, and collaboration.

Group discussion about why family foundations address these issues, what they have learned from their grantmaking, and how the lessons can be used by other family foundations to make a difference for children and families in their communities.

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