Join us for the Annual Bright Beginnings 5K Race!

Bright Beginnings Inc. was established in 1991 by the Junior League of Washington, which identified a critical need for quality childcare among homeless families in Washington, DC. Since then, Bright Beginnings has met the needs of nearly 1,700 homeless children by providing families with developmental childcare and on-site therapeutic and family support services.

Today, the Junior League of Washington supports the center in a variety of ways. During the school year, members of the JLW Bright Beginnings Committee volunteer on selected Monday evenings and assist teachers in the classrooms by reading and playing with children while their parent’s attend an adult education seminar designed to prepare parents for employment or learn skills related to raising their children.

JLW volunteers also plan Literacy Nights in the fall and spring and work with Books for Bright Futures to select a book and plan activities around the book’s theme. Together, the volunteers and children read the stories, sing songs, and complete various arts and crafts projects. Each child goes home with their very own copy of the book, as well as a take-home bag filled with goodies to keep them excited about reading. The JLW volunteers also throw an Annual Holiday Party for the children where they meet Santa, attend a magic show, listen to a banjo player, and more! It is truly a highlight for all involved.

One of the biggest events that the JLW Bright Beginnings Committee plans each year is the Annual Bright Beginnings 5K Run/Walk in the spring. This year the event will take place on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. at Hains Point in Washington, DC. The committee has been working tirelessly on the planning for the race and anticipates it to be the most successful yet! To help us reach our fundraising goal, the committee is asking JLW members to join us for the race or to make a personal donation online by visiting www.BrightBeginningsInc.org or http://www.active.com/running/washington-dc/bright-beginnings-5k-race-2012. Participating in the race will also earn JLW members a Membership Credit. The run is for friends and family of all ages so please bring help us spread the word!