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Very Special Events for Kids with Special Needs
Thanks to the Sam Mazza Foundation

Thanks to a 2014 grant from the Sam Mazza Foundation, Habitot offers free, quarterly events for children with special needs and their families. The exclusive, after-hours events - usually weekday afternoons - give these families a non-stigmatized setting in which to relax, connect and play together. Some parents have mentioned how wonderful it is to see their children interacting with other children, and others cite how supportive it is to talk with other parents and grandparents facing the same circumstances. Habitot is a unique setting needed and well-used by many in our community, and donations like Sam Mazza's make this possible.

Announcing a New Partnership with UrbanSitter

UrbanSitter, which helps parents find an occasional sitter, full-time nanny, or last minute help, is sponsoring January's Confetti Arts Weekend to kick off a 6-month partnership with Habitot. During the next six months, Habitot visitors will receive a free trial to book their first sitter and HABITOT will receive a $20 donation from UrbanSitter. (Use the code GIVEHABITOT25). Babysitters from Urban Sitter will be on hand over the Confetti Arts Weekend to tell you about the program and assist in signing up.

Urban Sitter, which was founded by three moms, is an online resource for parents to find and book babysitters recommended by people they know. UrbanSitter will help you locate available sitters recommended by parents in your social circles, for example, from mother's groups, your child's school, sports team, etc. Over 140 East Bay Moms have already used UrbanSitter. Visit https://www.urbansitter.com/promo/habitot for more information.

2014 Annual Fundraising Campaign Nears Goal

We are so grateful for the Habitot fans who donate each year to help us make Habitot even better, bring in new exhibits and extend our outreach programs for the most vulnerable families. By year's end, we'd raised new gifts of $18,000 towards our $20,000! Nearly everyone can think of a way Habitot could be better and donations small, large and in-between that are over and above memberships and admissions are absolutely necessary. If you'd like to designate your donation to a specific improvement or program, you can do so! Please help us reach our goal!

Salvation Army Family Shelter Cheers Gingerbread House

Thanks to the 183 people who participated in Habitot's giant Gingerbread House decorating party on December 20th, the families and children living in the Salvation Army family shelter on Garden St. in Oakland received some sweet holiday cheer from Habitot. The house was delivered just after their holiday meal, and kids there eagerly starting adding decorations to the house with the cups of candy and icing we provided. Thanks to Krusteaz for donating the gingerbread mix, to the volunteers and staff who baked gingerbread and put the house together, and to visitors for donating candy!

Urban Mattress Offers Discounts for Habitot Patrons

Urban Mattress, a new Habitot partner which opened a new store this year in Berkeley, is sending a percentage of sales to support exhibits and outreach programs. We are delighted to announce they are extending discounts to Habitot patrons as well! Owner Todd Leslie says, "As a thanks to all of Habitot's supporters, Urban Mattress is offering staff, family, volunteers, and members 10% off purchases during the months of January and February." In addition, purchasers can nominate their favorite Habitot staff member for a special "thank you" and with each nomination received, an additional 10% discount off will be donated - up to a total of 40% off! (Some restrictions apply.
Please visit or call the store for details).

Confetti Arts Weekend
Friday - Sunday, January 2 – 4
Regular Hours

Scoop up New Year’s confetti into glorious collage artworks! Make a confetti tornado in the Wind Tunnel.

Event sponsored by Urbansitter.

Staying Attuned to Your Young Child
FREE Parenting Workshop (with registration)
Wednesday, January 28
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Stay attuned to your children and increases your ability to engage and stay connected without reacting during moments of distress. In this workshop parents will reflect on their children's inner emotional experiences while further developing their understanding of their children's behaviors and feelings. Two local psychologists and members of Thoughtful Parenting Consultants Network, Carolina Bacchi, Psy.D and Katya Woodmansee, Ph.D., will lead this interactive workshop.
More info »

FREE with Registration on Eventbrite.
Questions? contact Rachel at (510) 647-1111 ×16 or parented@habitot.org

Every 4th Friday*
Now Year-round!
Lower Price for Siblings!

*Except for November and December; the 3rd Friday of the Month.

Parents' Night Out
Friday, January 23
5:30 – 9:30 pm

Drop off your kids, 2-7 yrs, for play and fun while parents enjoy an evening out.

$39 per child, $29 for siblings.

Cheese pizza for dinner included.

ADVANCE registration strongly encouraged to permit us to adequately staff these evenings. Last minute registrations June not be possible.

To register, call our Reservations Desk at 510-647-1111 ×14.

Pizza Fridays!
Fridays • January 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
11:30am - 12:30 pm

Our friends at Papa John's(2222 Shattuck Ave.) will deliver child-sized cheese slices on sale for $1 each beginning at 11:30 am, first come first served. Proceeds benefit the Museum.

Mamas & Papas (for LGBTQ Families) FREE drop-in

Next Mamas & Papas will be Wednesday, February 4
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Join our free, drop-in support group for LGBTQ families and their 0-5 year old children, presented in partnership with Our Family Coalition. While parents engage in lively and supportive conversations facilitated by Habitot and Our Family staff in our classroom annex (Habitot, Too), children play (with supervision) in the Museum.