This document is an invitation for the 20th anniversary reception of Bright Beginnings, which celebrates the organization's past accomplishments and prepares for its future. It thanks several congressional sponsors and donors who support Bright Beginnings' early education program, therapeutic and health services, and family services. It includes short stories from children who attend Bright Beginnings discussing how the program helps them through education, play, and teacher support.

1. Bright Beginnings 20 th Anniversary Reception Celebrating the Past, Preparing for the Future 10.25.2011 Connect. Donate. Volunteer.

2. Congresswoman Karen Bass (CA-33) Congressman G.K. Butterfield (NC-1) Congressman André Carson (IN-7) Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-11) Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-6) A special thank you to our Congressional Sponsors:

3. A special thank you to our Congressional Sponsors: Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-7) Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. (IL-2) Congressman Gregory Meeks (NY-6) Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-7)

4. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00) Congressman Ed Perlmutter (CO-7) Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-17) Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-17) Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) A special thank you to our Congressional Sponsors:

5. 3 core programs Early education program Therapeutic and health services Family services

6. Over at our place, we're sure of just one thing: everybody in the world was once a child. – Walt Disney

7. My name is Dante! I am 4 years old. I sometimes get very angry and don’t know why, but I can always talk to Ms. Shaquita, my teacher. She always has a warm hug and a smile. Her love and support helps me make better choices.

9. My name is Amira! I am 18 months old. I like to play at the water table during playtime. When I’m splashing water on my teachers and classmates, I am learning about the world around me.

12. My name is Jamila! I am 7½ months old. I like it when my teacher reads to me. I always smile when she’s reading. Does she know I’m happy when I wave my hands?

14. I am 2½ years old. I liked our trip to the petting zoo because I touched so many different animals. I didn’t know that the sheep would feel so different from the miniature horse. I was a little scared at first, but Ms. Joyce went with me. My name is Kwame!

15. Anonymous Donor Locke Lord LLP Progress Energy

16. My name is Kelly! I am 3 years old. If it was noisy in the shelter last night and I did not get enough sleep, I may need Ms. Morgan’s help in getting along with my friends. She comforts me and helps me have a good day.

17. Leigh Vogel Photography

18. My name is Ajani! I am 3 years old. I like to paint on construction paper and feel the paint between my fingers. It helps me learn about textures while building my fine-motor and gross-motor skills.

19. Thank you for coming! Connect. Donate. Volunteer.