Our Vision

All children and families in the District receive the support and resources necessary to thrive and realize their full potential.

 

Our Mission

Bright Beginnings will implement a two-generation approach to:

  • Ensure every child experiencing housing instability is healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged;

  • Develop school ready and kindergarten prepared children;

  • Support families in breaking the cycle of inter generational poverty; and

  • Partner intentionally to eradicate disparities and remove obstacles to economic mobility.

A Two-Generation Organization

Our two-generation programming is a holistic, family-centered approach based on the understanding that helping the whole family can equally benefit children and parents. 

In alignment with our two-generation approach, Bright Beginnings is intensifying its strategic emphasis on infant and maternal wellness. This initiative comes at a time of urgent need, as Washington, DC—particularly communities East of the River—continues to experience disproportionately high rates of infant mortality. In response, we are broadening our scope to ensure pregnant mothers have consistent access to critical resources, with particular attention to teen mothers, first-time mothers, individuals experiencing domestic violence, and mothers over the age of 40.

BBI - Web Graphics 1.32.png

A Learning Organization

Bright Beginnings uses an evidence-based, data-driven approach to consistently and intentionally improve our programs to better serve our families. As a result, over the years, we have grown as an organization – adding programs such as our Fatherhood Initiative and and implementing a strategic focus on infant and maternal wellness. Most recently, we expanded our reach by opening two new locations to better support families across the District.

Each year, guided by data and parent feedback, we continue to expand and refine our two-generation programming. These strategic enhancements uplift both children and their families, supporting their journey from crisis to economic mobility.

BBI - Web Graphics 1.25.png

HISTORY

Bright Beginnings was established in 1990 by the Junior League of Washington who set out with a mission to empower and uplift children suffering from homelessness in Washington, DC. 

For over 30 years, Bright Beginnings has helped thousands of children and their families experiencing housing instability by providing them with quality care, education, and support during times of hardship and transition. In 2014, Bright Beginnings pioneered the first home-based program in the country with the sole focus of supporting families impacted by the trauma of homelessness.

In 2018, we built a state-of-the-art learning center in Ward 8 where parents know their children are safe, learning, and growing every day.

By enhancing our vital services every year, including our Career Support Program and our CARE (Crisis Intervention) team, Bright Beginnings staff have continuously provided hundreds of Washingtonians with high-quality family and educational support.