As we move through another exciting summer, I have been reflecting on just how much Manchester Proud has grown—and where we are headed next. What began as a community effort to support the implementation of the Manchester School District’s strategic plan has evolved into something even greater: a backbone organization that brings together schools, families, businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders to ensure every young person in Manchester has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

This year marked an important milestone as our Council adopted Manchester Proud’s new Strategic Plan, providing a clear roadmap for the next several years. While education remains at the heart of everything we do, our work is expanding to address the broader factors that help children succeed. Our focus now includes strengthening basic needs and family stability, supporting early childhood and early grade success, expanding out-of-school learning opportunities, and continuing to build powerful community-school partnerships that create lasting impact. I invite you to explore our new strategic plan and see the exciting vision that will guide our work moving forward: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dz0SOQPiehomXuG4Txx8hz8e3TLyPrvA/view?usp=drive_link.

That vision is already coming to life. We have welcomed Kate Estefan as our new Director of Community Initiatives, expanding our capacity to serve families and strengthen community partnerships. Planning is well underway for our annual CelebratED: Welcome Back Manchester event on August 20, where thousands of community members, volunteers, businesses, and organizations will come together to help students start the school year ready for success. We are also excited about new collaborations with local businesses, healthcare organizations, community agencies, and civic leaders that continue to strengthen the network of support available to Manchester’s children and families.

None of this would be possible without you. Whether you volunteer, sponsor an event, attend a community gathering, make a donation, or simply help spread the word about our work, you are helping build a stronger Manchester for every child. The momentum we are experiencing is inspiring, and I truly believe the best is yet to come.

Thank you for believing in our mission and for being part of this journey. I look forward to continuing this work together and sharing many more exciting updates in the months ahead.

Best,

Aimee Kereage