Welcome

The Growth Collective is a newly formed nonprofit, developed to promote well-being, foster inclusiveness while recognizing individuality; provide structured support networks allowing for self-discovery; and promote a forward-thinking community.

A neighborhood of care. Where love is shown daily.

EDUCATING CAREGIVERS

Offer rich and engaging experiences that educate parents, caregivers and change makers.

FOSTERING CONNECTION

Building intentional experiences and pathways that support and connect caregivers.

ELEVATING CHILDCARE

Through education, training, professional development opportunities and advocacy, promote widely the benefits of a developmental approach to care.

Our Purpose

VISION
To create an unparalleled, inclusive, forward-thinking community with a focus on wellness, development, and collaboration that will offer neuro-affirming care and foster profound relationships for children, childcare providers, parents and caregivers, practitioners, higher education students, community partners, researchers, and other individuals interested in promoting these standards on a local, national, or global scale.

MISSION
The Growth Collective is dedicated to the collaborative and holistic development of children, families and communities, empowering individuals through education to thrive in an environment that is welcoming, loving and supportive for everyone.

VALUES

  • We disrupt the status quo.

  • We welcome all abilities.

  • We welcome all abilities.

  • We are never too young or too old to learn.

  • We think outside the box.

Impact Areas

  • Childcare Provider and Parent Education

    Raising children can be challenging, particularly when they have physical or developmental disabilities. Our hope is to create a caring community where parents and caregivers are educated and equipped with the skills to support children of all ability levels. By using child development best practices, TGC can offer caregivers the tools and resources to better support children and handle difficult situations such as biting, hitting, and pinching with compassion and understanding. Our objective is to restore caregivers' sense of fulfillment, improve connections, and enhance the quality of care for both children and families, thereby elevating the overall quality of life.

  • Caregiver Connection

    Caregiving is often a solitary journey, and it's our goal to change that narrative. By fostering deep and meaningful connections, we aim to create a space where both children and adults can thrive. We also advocate for loving methodologies that promote developmental best practices, so every individual has the opportunity to flourish. We plan to establish a supportive neighborhood where raising children is a collective effort.

Leadership Team

  • Jenny Kortuem

    Executive Director + Co-Founder

  • Brenna Hoisington

    Chief Operations Officer + Co-Founder

Get Involved

OUR STORY

The Growth Collective was constructed on the Developmental, Individual-differences, and Relationship-based (DIR) model, an essential framework for comprehending human learning and development. This model acknowledges the distinctive way in which each person perceives and interacts with the world and the critical role that social-emotional development plays in overall human growth. The DIR approach emphasizes the significance of fostering relationships and emotional connections to fuel personal development. By gaining a profound understanding of the developmental process and one’s individual differences, we can leverage relationships to promote healthy development and help individuals achieve their full potential. The DIR model is grounded in the science of human development, yet it is straightforward and promotes respectful growth through connections, understanding, love, communication, and engagement. 

We plan to meet caregivers and families where they're at, to help them become more of who they are meant to be.

Your gift today is the key to a successful future for our community of caregivers. We are grateful for our Fiscal Sponsorship through the Mankato Area Foundation which accepts tax deductible donations and grants on behalf of The Growth Collective.

Please invest in our vision and join our village!

"To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow"

- Audrey Hepburn