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Making Masks for the Community

She began making masks more than a month ago for her family and friends. “I am a one-man band on this project,” says Nancy Smith, Birmingham First member and part of the First Nurses team. As a seamstress, she has developed her own method using a combination of DIY mask instructions she found on the internet. “I actually made a short YouTube video of my method for others interested in sewing masks,” she explains.

With a strong connection to St. Joes Oakland Hospital in Pontiac, she was asked for masks and that became her first “bulk” mask project and delivery. She then began to think about smaller companies and nonprofits that perhaps were lost in the shuffle of being a recipient of the state of Michigan personal protection equipment items, PPEs. She quickly discovered that adult foster care homes, nursing homes and food pantries in her local area of Metamora were “delighted” to receive masks. She then wondered about Birmingham First’s missions outreach and organizations such as Cass Community Social Services, The NOAH Project, and Baldwin, all of whom quickly raised their hands in need.

“Lack of supplies is my biggest challenge. Could be elastic, the metal nose piece or even fabric, which for a while was difficult to get” she states. But with each challenge she just modified the plan – elastic became ties for a while and the nose pieces changed forms many times. 

The nicest thanks she has received was from Linked Hearts Food Pantry in Dryden, MI. “I refused to take any monetary donation from them for the masks I made, but after my second delivery, the ladies handed me yards and yards of fabric that they collected on my behalf. It was awesome!!!!”

She has created and distributed more than 450 masks (100 delivered this week to the Baldwin Center) and continues to help where she can with much passion and joy.

Thank you, Nancy, for being the hands and feet of Christ.

“I refused to take any monetary donation from them for the masks I made, but after my second delivery, the ladies handed me yards and yards of fabric that they collected on my behalf. It was awesome!!!!”
Nancy Smith
First Nurses Team Member

Chelsea-Rose Jabboori

My name is Chelsea-Rose and I am excited to be teaching in the Turquoise Room.  This is my first year teaching at First Kids.  I have many years of experience in child care and as a nanny.  I started my education with OCC and finished my CDA with TeachStone.

I come from a large family.  I am the oldest of six siblings.  We had many wonderful adventures over the years, traveling to most of the United States and some of Canada.  I have a love for nature and adventure.  I really enjoy long road trips, outdoor activities and camping.  I am an artist who enjoys painting, poetry and doing crafts.  I love to study children’s psychology and herbology.  With gentle guidance and compassion, I encourage children to explore and learn.  Children have always been my passion in life.

I am an active member of Berkley First and am happy to now be connected with Birmingham First.

I am looking forward to learning and growing with your children this school year.

Brooke Lynch

My name is Brooke Lynch, and I am excited to be your child’s classroom teacher!  This is my fourth year as a parent at First Kids Preschool and I look forward to joining the teaching staff this year.  I have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Miami University.  I taught first grade for seven years in Chicago.  I then worked for five years as Director of Operations for a charter school management company here in Michigan.  I decided to take some time off from work once my husband Joe and I welcomed our third baby.  After two years at home with Kyle (6), Grace (4), and Griffin (2) I am thrilled to return to the classroom.  First Kids is such a special place and I feel so honored to now be part of the community as both a teacher and parent.  I can’t wait to partner with you to provide a wonderful year of fun and learning for your child!

Jillian McDonald

My name is Jillian McDonald and I am thrilled to be teaching in the Green/Orange Room.  This will be my first year teaching at First Kids Preschool.  Previously, I taught three and four-year-old preschool in the Birmingham Public Schools for six years.  Before that, I was a first grade teacher in Detroit.  Between teaching positions, I took time off to raise my three children, Madelynn, Riley and Delaney.  Madelynn and Riley are twins and will be starting their first year of college in the fall.  My daughter, Delaney will be a senior at Groves High School.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, reading, and going to my cottage in Northern Michigan.  I am so excited to be working with the four-year-olds.  As an early childhood educator, I love to make my students’ first experiences with school very memorable.  I enjoy helping them build their independence and self-confidence.  I like to encourage the building of a classroom community to promote social skills and conflict resolution.  I am so happy to begin this journey of learning with you and your child!

Gloria Fulton

My name is Gloria Fulton, and I am very excited to be teaching at First Kids Preschool.  I also work in childcare for Children and Family Ministries at Birmingham First United Methodist Church.  I am a member of the Garden of Faith Missionary Baptist Church where I currently teach Sunday school and assist with the youth choir.  For two years, I was co-leader of the Brownie troop at Upton Elementary, where my daughter attended school.  I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Central Michigan University and am currently working towards my Child Development Associate.  I  enjoy miniature golf, walking, traveling, and spending time with my family.