“Patty! Patty!” the toddlers chant, peering out the front window in excitement as Patricia Meier, director of Robin’s Nest, walks up the steps. She enters the room, gathers the young ones beside her, and sings “Jesus Loves Me” while the children join in. Then another staff member reads Jonah and the Whale, one of their favorite Bible stories. Downstairs, the three- to five-year-olds are making gifts for their mothers.

October 2006 marked the 10th anniversary of Robin’s Nest, a ministry of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. Both Robin’s Nest and the Reformed Presbyterian Home are operated by the Reformed Presbyterian Woman’s Association. Over the years, Robin’s Nest has served more than 100 families.

In His earthly ministry, Jesus met people where they were and served them in their place of need. This is the aim of Robin’s Nest. The center began in response to the need for quality, affordable, Christ-centered child care in the economically disadvantaged, largely minority Perry Hilltop area surrounding the RP Home in Pittsburgh, Pa. In 1999, 48.2 percent of the households had an annual income of less than $25,000. The entire area is eligible for HUD Community Development Block Grant funds. Sixty percent of the children at Robin’s Nest qualify for government-subsidized child care and are eligible for free meals under the USDA’s food program.

Not all mothers are financially able to stay home with their children. In the Perry Hilltop area, 28.4 percent of the households are headed by women. The Pennsylvania welfare system requires that mothers on welfare work or go to school if they are physically able. Other parents who are not on welfare are “the working poor.” Some hold two or three jobs trying to make ends meet. They are striving desperately to provide for their children and to keep their families together.

“Most of the mothers would rather stay home than go to work, but they don’t have that choice,” Patty said. “They enroll their children in Robin’s Nest out of necessity as the best option. If their children were not at Robin’s Nest, they would be cared for elsewhere—possibly in unlicensed, substandard day care homes or in large secular storefront centers. Or they might stay with relatives who let them watch television all day.”

The mission of Robin’s Nest is to provide child care in a center where children are nurtured in a safe, loving environment within their own community. At the center, Christ is honored in what is said and done. The staff reinforces values such as respect for one another, kindness, sharing, and courtesy through example and in the curriculum. Bible stories and prayer at mealtime are a part of daily activities. For the last few summers, RP youth and the North Hills RP Church have conducted vacation Bible school at Robin’s Nest.

Trained employees provide each child with developmentally appropriate activities and care that exceeds state requirements. Scientific studies have shown that the majority of brain development occurs between infancy and age five. Taking advantage of this window of opportunity, the staff at Robin’s Nest helps the children develop fine and gross motor skills and language and math skills that help prepare them for school.

At Robin’s Nest, three- to five-year-olds receive free annual vision screening through the Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh. The program is paid through a grant from the Heinz Endowment Corporation.

Intergenerational activities benefit both the children at Robin’s Nest and the residents at the RP Home. Activities include ice cream socials, birthday parties, holiday events, and “Intergenerational Olympics.” Some of the children’s artwork has been displayed at the Home. The children attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Upper Rooms apartment complex in April.

Parent education has also been part of the program at Robin’s Nest. Families receive a monthly newsletter that contains valuable information on such topics as nutrition, health, activities, and center news. Patty is seeking funding to restart a program of parenting classes as well as professional development classes for staff.

Robin’s Nest, which is located in a renovated house across the street from the RP Home, has a homelike atmosphere and a low staff-to-child ratio. Robin’s Nest is licensed to care for up to 25 children. The center is fully licensed by the State of Pennsylvania, and each annual inspection by the Department of Public Welfare has resulted in commendations.

Patty, who has a B.S. in child development/family relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, was hired in August 1996 and has directed Robin’s Nest ever since. She is responsible for hiring and supervising staff, planning the daily lesson themes and activities for the toddlers, the daily menus, and the intergenerational activities. Her longtime staff includes Gwen Marcus, group supervisor; and Joyce Blackwell, Elaine Wharton, and Clovis Thornton, assistant group supervisors.

Like many nonprofit centers, Robin’s Nest has needs for resources and equipment. In addition to funds for education programs, the center is seeking donations and grant funding to purchase commercial-grade playground equipment, a new computer and printer, Internet access for the older children, a DVD player, and a software-based security system. Less costly needs are Play-Doh; a set of Boom Whackers Tuned Percussion Tubes; toys that zip, snap, and tie; colored beads; and items that teach counting and math concepts.

“The children and families do benefit from this mission,” Patty said. “Faith grows like a plant. First the seed is planted, then it is nurtured, and then it grows. Although we may not see the result of our work, if it makes life better for just one family and witnesses to the love of Christ, then we have accomplished our goal. The staff at Robin’s Nest would welcome the prayers and help of RP congregations in serving the children and parents whose lives we touch.”