Smart from the Start

Smart from the Start (Smart) is a trauma-informed, multi-generational family support and community engagement organization with a mission to promote the healthy development of young children and families living in the most underserved communities of Boston and Washington, DC. Our strengths-based, culturally reflective approach reaches out to famili... es and empowers them with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive. Smart from the Starts theory of change is based on the leading research that shows families and communities as the catalytic element for childrens lifelong learning, health, and development. Learn more about our ecological approach and watch this great video from The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. Building Adult Capabilities to Improve Child Outcomes: A Theory of Change Smart from the Start has been successful in promoting change for young children and families living in challenging situations because of the unique, innovative and progressive aspects of our programming. Our target population is unique, because Smart from the Start exclusively targets the lowest income families who are isolated, with parents/guardians who have historically not sought out or participated in voluntary services, and who are struggling with multiple complex issues. Participating Smart caregivers were born throughout the world, countries including: China, Somalia, Haiti, Bangladesh, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Jamaica, Ecuador & the U.S. Family structures of current participants include single- and two-parent families, kinship and foster families, grandparents raising their grandchildren, and teen parents. Many of the families served are enduring the risks and challenges of recovery from substance use and/or experience of domestic violence. Our programming is uplifting, empowering, culturally sensitive and respectful. We are currently facilitating programming in five languages English, Spanish, Haitian-Creole, Cantonese and Somali. Smart from the Start prides ...Read More