Since 2010, Kelly and David Kaiser have been serving local families through Mosaic Ministries and Baby University. David, pastor of Mosaic Ministries, and Kelly, a licensed physical therapist, saw the need for quality care and educational opportunities in their community.
“My husband and I took over a small outreach in South Toledo, serving meals and providing church services. Our eyes were opened to the struggles that young families living in generational poverty have,” she said. While the food we provided was a help, we realized that education was the key to breaking the cycle of generational poverty. We started Baby University as the first step of a Pregnancy to Purpose educational pipeline in South Toledo.”
Positive results in long term health and economic outcomes
The mission focused on key concepts to achieve positive results in long term health and economic outcomes for the families they serve. The Kaisers aim to: engage young families at the birth of their first child, provide parent support, offer high quality learning experiences and provide connection to community resources. Baby University partners with the Mosaic Family Zone, a home visiting program that connects young moms to medical care, mental health services and more. Community health workers meet with parents monthly to connect them to vital health and community resources.
RELATED: Braces and Babies: Dr. Sheila Phelan Builds a Life Around Orthodontics and Motherhood
A Baby University in every neighborhood in Toledo
Today, Baby University serves over 400 parents annually. Parents attend an initial ten-week workshop, and are then able to continue with workshops.
on topics such as financial management, self care, nutrition, parenting skills and literacy skills. Children ages newborn to five can attend the Mosaic Early Learning Center, which provides high quality child care and kindergarten readiness.
After age five, children can go on to Mosaic Classical Academy, a charter school for kindergarten through 2nd grade.
“This year, the Mosaic Early Learning Center is providing scholarships for 9 children who would not otherwise qualify for publicly funded childcare,” Kaiser said. “We would like to grow and someday see a Baby University in every neighborhood in Toledo!”
For more information, visit: babyutoledo.com
Get to Know Kelly Kaiser…
Tell us about yourself! I am a mom of five amazing adult children, a grandma to 7 precious grandchildren. We have a goofy labradoodle named Tucker and 2 elusive orange cats, Peaches and Nami.
Dream vacation? An all inclusive cruise or island vacation with all my kids and grandkids. Favorite area Toledo hidden (or not so hidden)? The bike trails in the Metroparks.
Are you a book person or a movie person? Book person.
What do you like to do on a day off? Sleep in, bake sourdough, take a nap and cook a great dinner!
Favorite local restaurant? Byblos.
Favorite beverage order? Cosmopolitan.
Any hobbies? Sleepovers with the grandkids.
Do you have any mottos or sayings that inspire you? “There is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still.” Corrie Ten Boom
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of starting a business or ministry? Always remember your “why”. The bottom line of why you are in the work. Don’t let lack of funding, other people’s opinions and the struggles of running an organization disconnect you from your passion and your “why.”
