Ellis Social Spotlights

This spring, the Ellis community came together for two signature celebrations: the Spring Social at 66 Berkeley Street and a community gathering at The Haven in Jamaica Plain.

Ellis Educator Sarah Bukhari shares a powerful reminder at the Spring Social: the future begins in early childhood classrooms, where educators shape the success of the next generation.

Honoring Educators and Impact at the Ellis Spring Social 

Ellis friends gathered for the Ellis Early Learning Spring Social on April 30. Ellis’s signature cocktail party brings together families, partners, and supporters from across Greater Boston to celebrate the organization’s impact on children and families, raise essential support for its programs, and usher in a new season of hope after a long winter. The room felt undeniably festive, with springtime decor popping against the gray afternoon, and colorful tablecloths, florals, and playful BlowPop arrangements filled the space.

Spring Social Co-Chairs and Ellis Trustees Ashley White and Brendan Fogarty opened the evening with welcome remarks. They reflected on the challenging early education funding landscape and explained how Ellis’s commitment to equitable, accessible care for all children inspired them to get involved.

Sarah Bukhari, an Ellis educator, followed with a story from home. While practicing her remarks for the event the night before with her teenage son Hadi, she began with, “My name is Sarah, and I’m an educator at Ellis.” Her son interrupted to ask, “Mom, do you ever wish you were a real educator?” His question suggested that early childhood educators aren’t “real” teachers. With humor and grace, Sarah explained not only why she is a real educator, but also how her role extends far beyond traditional teaching. Early childhood educators are coaches, emotional regulators, dancers, musicians, negotiators — and that’s all before lunchtime.

Her son’s response? “Chill out. It’s not that deep.” Sarah’s answer was simple: it is that deep. While an honest mistake from a teen, the misconception that early childhood educators are “just babysitters” persists among adults, too. As Sarah reminded the room, science tells us the earliest years matter most: 90% of brain development happens between birth and age five, and access to high-quality early learning sets children up for lifelong success. Early childhood educators make that possible.

The Spring Social is one of Ellis’s largest fundraising events, helping to sustain this critical work. Sarah’s story was a powerful reminder of why Ellis exists and why this work matters so deeply. We are grateful to our educators, our families, and everyone who makes the Ellis community possible.

Ellis and Jamaica Plain celebrate community ties

Now in its second year, Ellis hosted a gathering in Jamaica Plain (JP) to build community and make new friends. Community in Bloom at The Haven welcomed about 50 people to celebrate what they appreciate about Ellis or to learn more about this important part of the Jamaica Plain (JP) community. The evening reflected the warmth and energy of the JP community, with guests connecting over food and lively conversation. 

Travis Johnston, Host Committee member, Ellis Trustee, and longtime supporter, opened the event by welcoming guests and stressing the importance of the collective effort that makes Ellis’s work possible. He introduced Ellis CEO Lauren Cook, who highlighted Ellis’s history.

Lauren told the guests, “Ellis opened in Jamaica Plain during the pandemic, when opportunities to connect with neighbors were limited. We’re always eager to share our mission and model with the community, knowing how closely they align with JP’s values of diversity, inclusion, and belonging. While Ellis has deep roots in the South End, where we were founded more than 140 years ago, Community in Bloom was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen our connections in JP.”

Click the right arrow to see photos from the event!

Frances Velasquez was the featured speaker of the evening. As Ellis's Family Navigator, Frances supports families and children beyond the classroom. She brought the Ellis mission to life by demonstrating the commitment to essential “wraparound care” that makes it possible for families to navigate challenges, access resources, and build a sense of stability and connection within the Ellis community so that all Ellis children can learn and thrive. 

Frances comes to the rescue when families face daunting problems.  “I assist families with housing, utility, rental, and eviction support,” Frances said. “I also stand beside families dealing with domestic violence and support them through difficult court situations while connecting them with resources and services. "

Frances shared one particularly dramatic story about accompanying one of our families to court, where she unexpectedly ran into another Ellis parent. The chance encounter allowed Frances to help the second parent avoid eviction from her apartment. It was an example of timely intervention making all the difference. 

Frances’s heartfelt remarks resonated with the guests. Several attendees commented on how impressed they were by her passion for Ellis and her dedication to the families we serve. Guest Ken Anadu spoke for many when he said, "I was honored to celebrate the important work that Ellis does and its bright future." 

Ellis plans more opportunities for people in various places to hear the Ellis story in person and experience the power of the Ellis community for themselves.