Category: General

Kids Favorite: Yoga with Ms. Gena

Kids Favorite: Yoga with Ms. Gena

By Mary Cady Bolin in General on September 23, 2024

Every so often our blog will highlight something that our Fannie Battle children enjoy the most. If you’re a seasoned Fannie Battle parent, you might not be surprised to hear that yoga with Ms. Gena is a favorite activity of our little ones!

Every other week during the school year, our Business Operations Manager Gena Lewis leads our 2, 3, and 4 year-olds in yoga either in our auditorium or outside on the playground. During the summer, Gena expands these class offerings to include school-age children.

Gena says, “Kids yoga is more about play and fun, rather than getting the poses exactly right.” Gena’s peaceful demeanor and love for children helps create a class where students feel supported, encouraged, and safe. Moreover, her approach fits hand in hand with our Conscious Discipline curriculum, and through yoga our children continue to learn to focus on breathwork and emotional regulation.

If you’re wanting to use some of Gena’s music at home, she says her students love these songs:

Fly Like a Butterfly
-Shakta Kaur Khalsa
Shake Your Sillies Out
-Rainbow Songs
Yoga Clock
-Karma Kids Yoga
Just Be
-Kira Willey

Thank you, Gena, for sharing your love for yoga with our students!

Investing in Fannie Battle Teachers – Cathey & Wilford Fuqua

Investing in Fannie Battle Teachers – Cathey & Wilford Fuqua

By bhadmin in General on April 15, 2022

Investing in Fannie Battle Teachers – Cathey & Wilford Fuqua – Blog

Leadership, ultimately is not about how long something lasts however the impact that it makes day after day, year after year, generation after generation. At Fannie Battle for 131 years, we have made it our mission to serve the families and children in the Nashville area by offering high-quality, affordable childcare. To make that possible, we constantly search for partners who believe in and support our mission.

For generations, the spirit of Miss Fannie Battle has exemplified what this mission looks like when put into action, not only in spirit but with very gracious actions of our partners, many of whom have been involved for decades and often several generations. Partners like Cathey and Wilford Fuqua, who embody how important exemplary leadership is to organizations like ours.

For decades, the Fuquas, have been dedicated to ensuring that families in the Nashville community are properly served at all levels. Cathey, a former Fannie Battle Board President, who also has a background in non-profit development, has been there for Fannie Battle. Whether it be supporting our fundraising efforts or in service as a volunteer, Fannie Battle has played an important role in their community involvement.

For many organizations like Fannie Battle, we are constantly looking for ways to strengthen our commitment to serve children and families. This year our brainstorming was aided by a generous gift from the Fuquas. Cathey & Wilford visited us last fall to catch up after several years away due to the pandemic. During their visit, they recognized that early childhood education teachers are often overlooked despite the critical role they play in the lives of children and families and decided to do what they can to change this situation. Their goal is to encourage others to give by offering a match for gifts made to our Spring – Candle of Hope Annual Campaign.  Gifts will be matched up to a total of $15,000! Our mission to empower our families and allow our children to reach their highest potential can be strengthened with this commitment and our capacity to provide better wages and benefits for our educators is increased.

This gift is a testament to the importance of leading by example, we hope that the Fuquas generosity leads others to partner and support our efforts! Be sure to check your mailbox or make a donation online today!

Thank you for your commitment to the Fannie Battle Day Home for Children!

Fannie Battle Day Home Welcomes Four Board Members and New Board Leadership for 2021

Fannie Battle Day Home Welcomes Four Board Members and New Board Leadership for 2021

By bhadmin in General on February 19, 2021

Fannie Battle Day Home Welcomes Four Board Members and New Board Leadership for 2021

New leadership will work to continue Fannie Battle Day Home’s mission, integrity, and financial stability

 

Nashville, TN – Fannie Battle Day Home (Fannie Battle) today announced four new board members and leadership who will work to continue Fannie Battle’s mission of providing accessible and affordable high-quality childcare while empowering families to reach their fullest potential.

“It is my privilege to work for an organization that can attract such an outstanding group of highly respected volunteers for the Board of Directors,” said Kristie Ryan, Executive Director. “I welcome our new members and am eager to start another successful year.”

The new board members began their three-year terms with Fannie Battle effective January 1, 2020 and may serve a maximum of two terms. The four new members are:

  • Elizabeth Beavers, Community Volunteer; Previous board chair
  • Chardae Hawley, Product Director of Jackson
  • Michael Law, Director, Development of HCA Physician Development/Mergers & Acquisitions; Previous board member
  • Pam Vasilevskis, Managing Partner, Client Focused Media – Nashville

“I sought to serve on Fannie Battle’s board because I believe education is the great equalizer. Fannie Battle creates the space for children of all backgrounds to gain a strong educational foundation,” said Chardae Hawley. “Additionally, I believe diversity is a powerful tool and having students from different ethnic, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds learning together provides an immeasurable experience in both development and understanding.”

“As a former working mom of three boys for over 15 years, I know some of the struggles parents face juggling jobs and family life and the financial strain childcare can put on a family’s finances. Fannie Battle offers wonderful support that empowers families,” said Pam Vasilevskis. “I will be honored to serve and further Fannie Battle’s mission.”

Additionally, Fannie Battle board members have elected Sandy Wade, HCA Healthcare, as President-Elect; Joshua Counts Cumby, Adams & Reese, LLP, as Secretary; and Michael Law, HCA, as Treasurer.

“I am honored to support an impactful organization that not only carries a century-long tradition of excellence in childcare and provides even more to Fannie Battle families today, but to serve alongside such passionate and talented leaders,” Solvig Gentile, Board President commented. “Together we strive to continue and grow the legacy of Fannie Battle in 2021 and well beyond”.

#  #  #

Media Contact: Kristie Ryan, Executive Director, 615-228-6745 or kryan@fanniebattle.org

Fannie Battle Day Home for Children is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit dedication to providing accessible and affordable high-quality childcare while empowering families to reach their fullest potential. Fannie Battle Day Home, the second oldest childcare center in Tennessee, began in 1891 when founder, Miss Fannie Battle, noticed children were left to roam the streets while their parent(s) went to work. Today we remain committed to serving working Nashville families and developing new avenues to serve our rapidly growing community. To learn more about Fannie Battle Day Home, visit our website: fanniebattle.org

1st ever Classroom Caroling Competition

By bhadmin in General on December 14, 2020

Our Classroom Caroling Competition is HERE!

Welcome to Fannie Battle’s first ever Classroom Caroling Competition! From December 7th-24th our classrooms are competing to win best Caroling group through donations. It’s all in fun and everyone is a winner here.

CATERPILLARS (Infants)

Our Caterpillars classroom sings Jingle Bells. Cast your vote for them at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/FBcaterpillars

 

SUNBEAMS (Toddlers)

Our Sunbeams classroom sings Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Cast your vote for them at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/FB-Sunbeams

TADPOLES (EEP & Nashville Classical Teacher Class)

Our Tadpoles classroom sings Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Cast your vote for them at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/FB-Tadpoles

 

BUMBLE BEES (Twos)

Our Bumble Bees classroom sings Santa Shark. Cast your vote for them at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fb-bumblebees

 

BUTTERFLIES (Twos)

Our Butterflies classroom sings The Lights on the Tree. Cast your vote for them at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/FB-butterflies

 

FERNANDO FROGS (Preschool)

Our Fernando Frogs classroom sings Frosty the Snowman. Cast your vote for them at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/FB-FernandoFrogs

 

FANNIE FROGS (Preschool)

Our Fannie Frogs classroom sings The Reindeer Pokey. Cast your vote for them at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/FB-FannieFrogs

 

SCHOOL-AGE

Our School-Age classroom sings Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Cast your vote for them at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/FB-SchoolAge

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

from all of us at Fannie Battle Day Home

 

We’re back!

By bhadmin in General on June 10, 2020

On Monday, June 1st, we re-opened the center and had a total of 20 children arrive on the first day! As the week progressed, more children began to return. It is definitely different around here: parents drop off and pick up children outside at the front door, all temperatures are taken, hands are immediately washed, staff is equipped with masks, but we were all so excited to see our children and families and get back to learning and playing.

As more businesses open and numbers remain relatively low, we expect to see more friends re-join us.

 

 

 

 

A few center updates:

  • Our volunteer program has been temporarily suspended as we continue to minimize the potential exposures. We are working on creating virtual opportunities, as well as limited in-person experiences. If you’d like more info, please fill out our volunteer form.
  • We are temporarily not accepting in-person donations of used items. Should you wish to donate an item in-kind visit our Amazon Wishlist.

Stay healthy and safe!

A statement from all of us at Fannie Battle

A statement from all of us at Fannie Battle

By bhadmin in General on June 5, 2020

 

We understand that it’s a difficult and overwhelming time for children as they are trying to process what is happening and it can be difficult for adults to respond. We  would like to share with you some valuable resources that can hopefully help with these discussions.  

 

The 60-minute special “Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism. A CNN/Sesame Street Town Hall for Kids and Families” will air on Saturday, June 6, at 10 a.m. ET.

 

At-Home Learning: PBS SoCal and KCET, in partnership with LAUSD and in collaboration with California PBS stations, are offering broadcast programming with digital resources that adhere to California’s state curriculum. Download this week’s schedule. George Floyd’s final words struck deep in Lonnae O’Neal’s mother’s heart.Floyd’s call out for his mother made the senior writer at …

 

A school counselor and a children’s book author offer advice for talking to children about racism and George Floyd. By Marie Tae McDermott By Marie Tae McDermott Credit…Christian Robinson, an …

 

Welcome Kristie P. Ryan, CFRE as our new Executive Director

Welcome Kristie P. Ryan, CFRE as our new Executive Director

By bhadmin in General on April 13, 2020

Fannie Battle Day Home’s board of directors announced that they have appointed Kristie P. Ryan, CFRE, as Executive Director. She will take helm of the model childcare organization dedicated to providing accessible and affordable high-quality early education.

“The board is very excited to welcome Kristie to our Fannie Battle family and feel that her experience, leadership, and passion are ideal to lead us into the next chapter of our organization,” Solvig Gentile, board president, said.

Ryan has served nearly 30 years in non-profit development and management, garnering a depth of knowledge across her profession. Her experience ranges from community-based social service agencies, local and national health-related organizations, and her sorority’s foundation. She follows the Day Home’s previous Executive Director, Melanie Shinbaum, who left the organization in November for a new professional challenge as Chief Executive Officer of St. Luke’s Community House.

“I am so honored to have been selected as the Executive Director of Fannie Battle Day Home,” said Ryan. “Fannie Battle’s long and revered reputation in the Nashville community is a tribute to everyone who has played a role in its history to ensure that families have access to high-quality, affordable care.”

Ryan was awarded the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential in 1999 and has continuously maintained the designation since. Additionally, she received a non-profit management certificate from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy.  She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), where she has served in various roles including Nashville Chapter President.  She greatly values her own involvement as a volunteer with various Nashville area organizations having previously served with Nurses for Newborns, Boy Scouts – Troop 86, Faith Family Medical Clinic, Hillcrest UMC, and Brentwood High School, to name a few. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Middle Tennessee State University.

FBDH Staff Happenings

FBDH Staff Happenings

By bhadmin in General on April 2, 2020

It has now been over two weeks since we saw you and your children; we want you to know that we miss you and look forward to your return. We thought we would share some updates on what everyone here at Fannie Battle has been up to while we have been away:

  • Staff: Although we were not able to have our staff in-service day on March 27th, our teachers have been busy completing training requirements through online training opportunities Ms. Tara and Ms. Stacie have been in constant communication with teachers to help with these training, as well as get their feedback.
  • Program & Business: Ms. Stacie has continued working through all of the day-to-day business matters that occur even through closure.
  • Development & Grants: Ms. Melissa has been working with the development committee to create and implement an altered fundraising plan to help generate additional income, as well as Ms. Katherine who is staying-up-to-date on newly released grant opportunities for us to request funds for lost income during this time.
  • Board Leadership: Our board of directors and committees continue to meet via Zoom to ensure smooth operation and plan for days ahead.

    Please feel free to reach out to Stacie at any time for questions, comments, concerns. Best wishes; stay safe and be healthy.

Resources for individuals affected by COVID-19

Resources for individuals affected by COVID-19

By bhadmin in General on March 30, 2020

Financial Aid – TN Dept of Human Services

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is making essential financial resources available to families that have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 emergency.  Beginning 10 A.M. CST Thursday, March 26, families can begin applying, online, for up to two months of emergency cash assistance if they were employed as of March 11, 2020 and they’ve lost employment or at least 50% of their earned income as a result of the pandemic.

Visit TN DEPARTMENT HUMAN SERVICES for the application and more info.

 

COVID-19 Response Fund (United Way of Greater Nashville)

COVID-19 continues to impact our entire region. Our hearts go out to those who have lost their jobs, seen reductions in hours or are experiencing loss of income due to closed establishments or canceled events. Here are SOME RESOURCES that are available right now.

 


CARES Act
( (Federal Coronavirus Aid Package, passed Friday, March 27, 2020)

* Direct payment of $1,200 to individuals, $2,400 for married couples, plus an additional $500 per child. Payments available to individuals with an income of up to $75,000 and $150,000 for married couples.
* Provides $250 billion for an extended unemployment insurance program and expands eligibility and offers workers and additional $600 per week for four months, on top of what state programs pay.
* All testing and potential vaccines for COVID-19 will be covered at no cost to patients.

 

COVID-19 Closure Update

COVID-19 Closure Update

By bhadmin in General on March 18, 2020

These are definitely concerning and overwhelming times for all of us, especially following the recent devastation left by the tornado.

Given recent recommendations by our Governor, the CDC, and Metro Health Department, and to ensure our staff and families’ health and well-being, our board has elected to close our center effective Wednesday, March 18th through Friday March 27th.

UPDATE 3/26/2020: In a continued effort to ensure everyone’s safety and health, we will remain closed until Friday, April 3rd. 

UPDATE 4/2/2020: We will remain closed until Friday, April 10th.

UPDATE 4/9/2020: We will remain closed until Friday, April 17th.

UPDATE 5/8/2020: We will remain closed until Friday, May 15th.

We will be carefully monitoring the ever-evolving situation to determine if continued closure is necessary. We will be in contact towards the end of the week with those updates. The health, well-being, and safety of our staff, children, and families is of the utmost importance and we thank you for your understanding.

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Stacie, Program Director, at sspasoff@fanniebattle.org.