Impact Report: Pour Forward - Year One
When Pour Forward, the nonprofit arm of The Nap Time Show, was first conceived, we had an ambitious goal: to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and communities across the Midwest. What we didn’t anticipate was just how far our reach would go in our inaugural year, and we are beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve and connect with so many families, organizations, and supporters. This impact report highlights some of our most significant milestones and achievements, demonstrating the power of partnership, community, and our shared commitment to advancing early childhood education and care.
Key Highlights from Year One:
Second Bi-Annual Advance Screening Premiere of The Nap Time Show: Hosting the second annual Advance Screening Premiere of The Nap Time Show was a truly unforgettable experience. The excitement was palpable as children filled the theater, their laughter echoing through the space. The joy of seeing families engage with the show in person, coupled with the heartwarming moment when kids eagerly asked, "Where is Bahb?" was priceless. We were able to not only showcase the work we’ve been doing but also give away exclusive goodies, creating lasting memories for our supporters and fans. All at no cost to the families who attended.
Inaugural Childcare Changemakers Retreat: In partnership with Ford Philanthropy and Watson Institute, we hosted the inaugural Childcare Changemakers Retreat in metro-Detroit. Sponsored by incredible brands like Upwards and the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC), this retreat provided a transformative space for meaningful conversations and connections within the region’s childcare ecosystem. It was a pivotal event for fostering collaboration and sparking new ideas that will impact the future of childcare for years to come.
Book Giveaway Partnership with The LEGO Foundation, ChangeX, and Book Dash: Promoting early literacy is at the heart of Pour Forward's mission, and this year, we were thrilled to partner with The LEGO Foundation, ChangeX, and Book Dash for an exciting series of book giveaways. These events, which brought joy and access to books for children and families, are a testament to the power of collaboration and our shared commitment to fostering the love of reading. We look forward to continuing this important work in the coming year.
Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit: We had the privilege of participating in the inaugural Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit hosted by Black Tech Saturdays. During this event, we had the opportunity to teach youth about how we use digital technology to create content and empower families. It was inspiring to witness the curiosity and engagement from the next generation of innovators as they learned how digital tools can be harnessed to support community wellness.
Inaugural PJs for a Purpose Benefit Announcement: To round out an impactful year, we proudly announced our first-ever PJs for a Purpose Benefit Fashion Show, set to take place in 2025. This event will support our Equitable Childcare Fund, designed to provide financial resources and support to childcare providers in the Chicagoland area. It’s an exciting milestone as we continue to work toward creating systemic change in the childcare sector, and we are excited to see how this initiative unfolds in the coming year.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Our success would not have been possible without the support of our incredible partners. In our first year, Pour Forward has had the privilege of collaborating with a number of organizations committed to advancing our mission. These include:
Ford Philanthropy
Watson Institute
Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC)
Wonderschool
The LEGO Foundation
ChangeX
Book Dash
These partnerships have helped expand our reach, provide resources to underserved communities, and create opportunities for learning and growth. We are incredibly grateful to each of these organizations for their dedication to improving the lives of children and families.
Events and Initiatives
Our first year also saw the success of a variety of events and initiatives that allowed us to engage with communities directly:
Childcare Changemakers Retreat: A gathering of leaders in the childcare field, sparking ideas and collaborations for improving childcare systems in the region.
Be My Neighbor Day with Detroit PBS: A community-driven event in collaboration with Detroit PBS to promote kindness, neighborly connections, and the values that The Nap Time Show stands for.
Kid ’N Play - Gaming and Reading Event at Nu Era Gaming Den: A unique event combining gaming and reading to engage children in a fun and educational way, encouraging a balanced approach to screen time and literacy.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the achievements of our first year, we are filled with hope and excitement for the future. The impact we’ve made is just the beginning, and we are committed to expanding our reach and continuing to serve our communities in meaningful ways. From expanding our book giveaways to launching our PJs for a Purpose Benefit in 2025, we are focused on advancing our mission of providing educational resources, creating positive childhood experiences, and advocating for equitable childcare.
Thank you to all of our partners, volunteers, and supporters who made this year a success. We look forward to building on this momentum and making an even greater impact in the years to come!
Together, we’re pouring into the future, one child at a time.
