named programs · 3 · from sources
What they call their work
Free Summer Literacy Camp
Summer program encouraging children to read through structured literacy activities and learning through play, designed to prevent learning loss and promote school readiness.
Parent Connection/Food & Fitness Events
Bi-weekly gatherings for past and current families to build supportive networks, prepare healthy meals, engage in exercise or dance, and discuss parenting topics while children participate in supervised literacy and play activities.
Parents and Caregivers Workshop
Free 9-week program offered three times a year that empowers parents to become their child's first teacher through interactive classes on brain development, literacy-building, parenting styles, nutrition, and emotional regulation. Includes door-to-door transportation and two meals per session.
activities · 6 groups
What they do
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Education Policy Advocacy & Reform 1 activity
- Advocates for children and families at policy levelRegularly attends and advocates at Albany School Board meetings to support the needs of children and families in education and community policy.
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Parenting Education and Support Programs 1 activity
- Delivers 9-week parenting workshops for low-income familiesOffers a free 9-week workshop three times per year for parents and caregivers of children aged 0–3, focusing on child development, nutrition, safety, and home literacy. Includes interactive classes, supervised literacy activities for children, door-to-door transportation, and two meals per session.
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School and School-Community Events 1 activity
- Hosts bi-weekly family engagement eventsOrganizes bi-weekly Parent Connection/Food & Fitness events that bring families together for food preparation, exercise/dance, peer problem-solving, and child activities to build supportive networks.
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Summer and Seasonal Reading Programs 1 activity
- Operates free summer literacy camp for young childrenRuns a free summer literacy camp to encourage reading and learning through play for children aged 0–3, with enrollment supported through ongoing programs.
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Community Resource Navigation and Support Services 1 activity
- Provides direct advocacy and enrollment support for familiesAccompanies parents to resolve housing issues and enroll children in pre-kindergarten programs, and promotes access to services through community outreach at festivals and street fairs, including transportation and meals.
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Early Literacy Promotion 1 activity
- Supports early childhood literacy and school readinessPrepares children aged 0–3 for school learning by fostering home literacy environments, enhancing parent advocacy skills, and supporting kindergarten readiness through direct programming and tools for low-income families.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$120K
Contributions & grants$120K100%
Program service revenue——
Investment income——
Other revenue—
expenses
Total expenses$206K
Program expenses58%
Admin / overhead42%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$142K
Grants paid out—
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$141K
Cash$300K
Investments$0
Liabilities$10K
Net assets$141K
Liquid reserves17.4 mo
3 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -9.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOELENE SMITH | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $55K |
relationships · 5
Who they work with
- Broadview FCU Partner — Provided a donation of diapers for Baby Institute families.
- Business for Good Partner — Sponsored the purchase of a new van to support mobile delivery of the organization's curriculum.
- RaiseRight Partner — Partners with RaiseRight to receive rebates through gift card purchases.
- Salvation Army Partner — Noelene Smith's early connection to underserved communities in Albany began through a college internship with the Salvation Army.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Government — Features video content from the USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion in its resources.
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Educationmethodology: developmentally appropriate parenting educationBy teaching parents that children develop at their own pace and should not be treated as miniature adults, we reduce harmful expectations and support healthy development because aligning parenting practices with developmental science improves child well-being.
- Early Childhood Development through Integrated Skill-Buildingmethodology: early-intervention educationBy integrating early literacy, school readiness, and parent advocacy training from ages 0–3, we improve long-term educational outcomes because foundational development during this period is critical and most responsive to intervention.
- Family Engagement through Community and Ongoing Supportmethodology: family-engagement modelBy combining structured workshops with drop-in programs and community-building activities, we sustain family participation and deepen impact because ongoing engagement fosters trust, shared learning, and collective problem-solving.
- Parent as First Teachermethodology: parent-as-first-teacherBy equipping parents and caregivers with knowledge, tools, and structured curricula, we improve early childhood development and school readiness because parents are best positioned to be their child's first and most influential teachers.