After three years of leading The Children’s Storefront, I recently let the board know that I had decided to step down from my role as Executive Director at the end of March. Today, we are kicking off our search for someone to lead our beloved nonprofit to even greater success.
I am incredibly proud of the work we have done together and the contributions I’ve made to rebuild this organization in its new image. The Storefront is in a position we could not have dreamed of three years ago, when we were still mostly an idea that was waiting for its time to come — a pilot program, less than a handful of sessions each week, a couple of dozen families annually, and a tiny but scrappy team.
Today alone, I have heard from several parents who shared the impact the Storefront has had on them now that we’re on the other side of making that nascent dream a reality here in Harlem. One shared that when their daughter, who grew up at our Play & Learn Center, started school, she was not only ready but had advanced socially and academically beyond many of her classmates thanks to our program. Another mom shared that she’d felt alone when she first had her child, but now everywhere she goes in Harlem she runs into friends they’ve made at the Storefront. A third mom spoke about her child’s caregiver, who decided to go back to school for early childhood education because she was so inspired by The Children’s Storefront program.
I get to hear these stories every single day. Since I took the helm of the Storefront, we’ve welcomed more than 1,100 families into our program — starting a ripple effect that extends beyond the 2,500 individuals who have found support, camaraderie, early childhood information, resources to meet their needs, new friends, and so much more. Beyond any data points, the measure of success that always stuck with me was what the very first parent who walked into our Play & Learn Center on the day we opened our doors said to me: “I can immediately feel how much love you all put into creating this for us.”
Yes, this was a labor of love, and I am so happy that it has been felt by all who have been part of the Storefront over the past few years.
I’m endlessly grateful to have worked alongside the most wonderful team. From my first day, they have been by my side, sleeves rolled up, ready to work and laugh and create something that matters together. Lots of magic happened thanks to them. I can only step away because I know what trusted hands this program is in with them.
I’ve learned so much through this work, and I am forever grateful to have helped build something so impactful. Stepping down to pursue new opportunities is bittersweet, but I feel lucky to be part of the Storefront’s legacy and will always be cheering on this wonderful program.
With gratitude,
Adeline Medeiros
Executive Director
The Children’s Storefront
