What We Do
We host birthday parties, give gifts and organize other joyful celebrations for underprivileged, refugee and sick children in the Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Seattle regions. In addition to our own efforts, we partner with other organizations that work to benefit these children, thereby increasing our reach and impact.
Manāna’s Approach to Celebration
Manāna’s approach to celebration helps each child feel individually valued and encouraged to be resilient. Our volunteers serve as role models guiding children through activities that emphasize three concepts: self empowerment, culture, and teamwork. Our approach, informed by the Developmental Assets Framework, the Principles of Social Emotional Learning, and Youth Thriving Indicators, creates a celebratory system that instills confidence, community, and creativity in the children we work with.
Hope@Home
Manāna Virtual Cards is our latest initiative, launched in support of those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We recognize the children of front-line healthcare and healthcare support workers are especially vulnerable to the stresses and challenges imposed by the pandemic. In partnership with Penn Medicine, we are offering personalized videos messages of hope and virtual birthday messages to children of healthcare workers.
We plan to extend Hope@Home to those children in the West Philadelphia public elementary schools. Although Manāna is unable to celebrate with children in person at this time, we are very excited to continue carrying out our mission while supporting families impacted by COVID-19.
If you're interested in partnering with us to bring Hope@Home to your organization, please fill out our Contact Form.
Testimonials
"Many many thanks to your entire group for your thoughtfulness and effort! My daughter really enjoyed the message, and it seemed to make her feel special. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about the kindness of your group. Please know how much this matters and make a difference. THANK YOU!" - Parent
“You just made my husband and I cry. Thank you so very much for making our daughter this incredibly special card.” - Parent
"Thank you so much for the video. Our daughter loved it. Really appreciate it." - Parent
"Thank you so much! It made the day for both my kids. Keep spreading kindness!" - Parent
How We Use Donations
All donations go directly into the celebrations we host, from providing goodie bags and gifts or decorations and cakes. The activities we are able to provide through the donations instill creativity, teamwork and self-confidence in the children and volunteers. Every donation allows us to carry out our mission to celebrate children's lives all year long.
Our Partners
We empower children by celebrating their lives. In line with this effort, we partner with five organizations also working to better the lives of children: The Global Village Project, The Agape Center, the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, Puentes de Salud and the West Philadelphia Elementary Schools. On average, we host 6 to 8 celebrations in each branch city every year. To date, we have helped more than 300 children, and we are just getting started!
Interested in being a partner?
We would love to hear from you!
Atlanta, GA
The Agape Center of Atlanta
Agape aims to inspire, empower and support underserved children and families to discover, embrace and achieve their full potential.
The Global Village Project
Our mission is to develop a strong educational foundation for each student within a caring community using a strengths-based approach and intensive instruction across a range of subjects.
Philadelphia, PA
Ronald Mcdonald House
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Philadelphia Region supports seriously ill children and their families by helping them stay together in a community of comfort and hope.
West Philadelphia Elementary Schools
We work with the elementary schools of the University-Assisted Community Schools to support their efforts of educating and celebrating children.
Puentes de Salud
Puentes de Salud (Bridges of Health) promotes the health and wellness of Philadelphia’s growing Latinx immigrant population by providing support to access high-quality health care and educational programs.
Seattle, WA
Youth Eastside SErvices
Youth Eastside Services (YES) is the leading behavioral health services provider in East King County for children and youth, ages birth to 22, and their families.
Solid Ground
Solid Ground works to end poverty and undo racism and other oppressions that are root causes of poverty.