Strategic Roadmap

By 2027, Trying Together will sustain a culture of belonging within its staff and Board of Directors and with families, educators, and community partners that values curiosity and collaboration, and nurtures a community of accountability and continuous learning.

With this ecosystem in place, Trying Together will be:

A trusted source for families to collaborate with regarding their child’s early experiences. 

Stories of Impact

button

Scarlett was born with a condition that resulted in her being in and out of the hospital often as a baby. While in the hospital, a friend gave us our first BUZZ Box, and it helped save our sanity on some of those long in-patient days as Scarlett has loved to read and do crafts ever since she was a toddler. Eventually, we got to come to our first Buzzword event. Scarlett was a bit hesitant at first, but you all made her feel so welcome and calm, and she was able to participate in a way that I have rarely seen before. I appreciate your team and everything that you have done for us!

— Christy & Scarlett Miller, Local Mom & Daughter

Learn more at buzzwordpgh.org.

Basic Necessities Distributed to Families

Data is cumulative for Fiscal Year 2024.
1,339
Almost 1,400 diaper and formula distributions were made to families by The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center.

Young Children & Their Families Engaged in Early Literacy Development

Data is cumulative for Fiscal Year 2024.
1,944
Approximately 2,000 families collectively attended Buzzword early literacy initiative events and/or received a BUZZ Box with learning activities and materials.
An experienced facilitator of inclusive learning opportunities for educators that aims to ensure every child has access to high-quality early care and education.

Stories of Impact

button

I wanted to let you know how much of an impact my new Quality Coach has made in such little time. Her expertise and guidance have significantly enhanced the overall quality of our center, and her positive and constructive approach has helped me gain a hold of my program, and get back on the road to providing the best care for my families. I am grateful for all the support she is providing.

— London Fitzgerald, London Bridges Child Development Center, LLC

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential program benefits the center, children, and their families by educating staff with an understanding of child development and early childhood best practices. Our staff reported that the program was excellent and they felt empowered. After completing the CDA program, two staff members are choosing to continue their Early Childhood Education degree and one is participating in Trying Together’s Advocacy Fellowship. Their success has inspired other staff to participate.

— Judy Albenze and Maureen Karas, Crafton Children's Corner

The Child Development Associate (CDA) grant from Trying Together has been such a blessing for our high school students giving them an opportunity to jump start their work and college careers. From organizing different speakers and activities to preparing the students for their observations and tests, the team at Trying Together has been wonderful, providing help and knowledge every step of the way. We hope we get the chance to continue this collaboration in the future.

— Cherie O'Neal, Forbes Road Career and Technology Center

Early Educators Received PQAS Professional Credits

Data is cumulative for Fiscal Year 2024.
4,424
Almost 4,500 PQAS credits were administered by Trying Together to support early educators' continuous professional development and ensure their early learning programs meet high-quality standards.
A collaborative convener that coordinates and helps to connect systems to support early care and education.

Rapid Response Team Supported Young Children In Danger of Suspension & Expulsion

Data is cumulative for Fiscal Year 2024.
115
Trying Together in collaboration with its partners at ELRC Region 5 supported several dozen families whose young children faced possible suspension and expulsion and assisted their early learning programs in providing better care and learning experiences.
A committed advocate mobilizing for policy change alongside communities to elevate the needs of young children, families, and educators for an equitable early care and education system.

Stories of Impact

button

As alumni of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Advocacy Fellowship, our participation has impacted each of our early childhood education and advocacy journeys. By equipping us with the knowledge and skills to serve as leaders and advocate for our communities, we knew that when we faced challenges, Trying Together had our backs. Due to our participation, some of us have run for Mayor, started an early learning business, and even joined the staff of Trying Together.

— Qiana Buckner, Lesely Crawford, Shellie Grooms, and Takeela Washington,  ECE Advocacy Fellowship Alumni

Advocates in Southwestern PA Elevated Need for Statewide ECE Investments

Data is cumulative for Fiscal Year 2024.
1,590
Approximately 1,600 voters in the Pittsburgh Region advocated for increased state investments for early care and education in the 2024-2025 fiscal year state budget.
An accountable nonprofit that prioritizes ethics when raising funds in support of its mission and provides transparent stewardship to its donors.

Organization Receives Highest Level of Transparency from National Data & Insights Nonprofit

Designation valid for 2024.
Platinum
Trying Together earned a 2024 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency

Board Members Unanimously Donated to Support the Work of Early Childhood

Data is cumulative for Fiscal Year 2024.
100%
All of the Trying Together Board of Directors donated and raised funds in the last fiscal year to support the organization's strategic goals.

More Than Half of Trying Together Staff Donated to Support the Work of Early Childhood

Data is cumulative for Fiscal Year 2024.
55%
33 Trying Together staff members donated and/or raised funds in the last fiscal year to support the organization's strategic goals.

Future Stories of Impact

Learn more about these goals by reading the 2023 – 2027 Strategic Roadmap (PDF) and exploring this interactive dashboard which will include quantitative outputs and additional stories over time.

This dashboard was last updated on June 26, 2024. Future updates will occur quarterly during Trying Together’s fiscal year which runs July 1 through the following year on June 30. For questions regarding this data, please email info@tryingtogether.org for assistance.