"There’s no such thing as another person’s child."

James Baldwin once said, “The children are always ours, every single one of them, all over the globe.” I see this embodied at Mainspring Schools every day. Even when there are too many needs and not enough hands, Mainspring's culture is to keep going, to keep hoping, and to remain committed to our community.

It’s generally understood that in order to experience educational success, wellness, and eventually, economic prosperity, children and adults must first have their basic needs met. Thanks to Abraham Maslow, we know that without those needs; such as food, shelter, and safety, it's difficult to attend to things like parenting with intention and planning for the future. In our earliest years, in particular, we also need relationships. Our brains are wired to connect. That connection is a key component of belonging and a sense of safety for kids and adults - and therefore, a basic need in itself.

My time at Mainspring has illustrated the tremendous benefits of a deep connection between and within young families, as well as the ripple effect on the communities around them. If you’re familiar with Mainspring, you know that our team members work every day to ensure that every need is met for every member of our school community. This is why we focus on the care we are giving our kids and their parents and why relationships and belonging are prioritized.

MJ's daughter, Jaida, and her friends D'monee and Dalilah when they were Mainspring students.

We know that “cared for” parents are best able to “care for” isn’t cutting-edge knowledge, but what sets Mainspring apart is the ongoing commitment to families, through our three pillars; innovative learning, health and wellness, and the whole family approach, simultaneously, for every one of our kids.

I believe an indicator of program quality is whether or not team members choose it for their children - and the Mainspring team does, myself included. I served as the Family Services Director at Mainspring for six years, and my two daughters were enrolled, collectively, for seven. During that time, I received the greatest learnings of my lifetime - only possible because of the deep connection to Mainspring families and educators, who allowed me to be a part of their, sometimes complex, journeys. Together, we designed strategies to address the hard stuff and stopped to appreciate the good stuff. The Mainspring families I served also served me. The Mainspring kids I cared for also cared for mine, and the educators I supported also invested in the learning and well-being of my girls, during the most crucial developmental period of their lives.

My oldest, Layla, is now in middle school, and Mainspring remains the line that connects much of our community and my professional network. Mainspring gave us a "village” that continues to make me a better practitioner and parent, something we all need, regardless of our circumstances. I continue to hear similar stories from others.

MJ and her daughter when they were at Mainspring.

In 2019, we underwent a community-centered branding process, and emerged with the slogan, “There’s no such thing as another person’s child.” A sentiment that aligns well with James Baldwin’s understanding of “our” children; a call for collective responsibility to invest in their tremendous potential, and Mainspring’s ongoing commitment to build the community and connections needed - which I believe benefits us all.

As the year comes to an end, I invite you to connect. Give us a call, come visit, or schedule a lunch to learn more. If you choose to give your time, skills, money, or voice, I hope you’ll consider “our” Mainspring kids.

- MJ Korpela, Mainspring Board Member