Comments on: West Seattle schools: Bella Mente crowdfunding for new location

By: Lauren Adams

Lauren Adams — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 20:03:14 +0000

Thank you so much for the support from our families and friends!

Marcus, Sam c and jtm : I understand your frustration. Our waitlist and issues surrounding getting children into our program has always been a source of contention for people. Because west Seattle is such a family oriented place and word of mouth here is amazing, Bella Mente reached max capacity within 3 months of being open, which was both exciting and overwhelming. When that happened we started a waiting list and added everyone to it, but the people on the list were angry because they couldn’t get in before their children went to kindergarten. So we started telling people “I’m so sorry but we are full as is our waitlist” which also angered people. So we decided to just add to our website that we are full and because of our waiting list length we are not currently adding children to it. People continue to inquire about care and are not happy with any response that does not include their family joining Bella Mente so we have decided to just continue to give 100 percent of our effort toward the children and families currently in our care and stay true to our vision and hope that that is enough to keep people excited about Bella Mente.
In this next step of moving our school to a new space, we are not looking for handouts. We are searching for mutually beneficial ways to earn money for our school. We are not a 501(c)3, but because of the nature of our business we are a “non profit.”
All of our tuition increases are distributed to my teachers in the form of raise. Any extra money that we do make each month goes back into the school toward supplies and projects. And because of this, traditional banks look at my income and the schools “profit” and decide that it’s not a worthwhile business to loan money to even though we have and will continue to be financially responsible for our bills/debt.
Anyway, Thanks again for everyone’s ideas and kind words. In the coming months as we continue to work toward our goal with fundraisers (date nights for you to drop your children with us for an evening, garage sales, adult sports leagues, art auctions, family photography sessions through our photographer, etc) if one would be helpful for you, I hope you will join us!

By: Karen

Karen — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 15:48:57 +0000

Sorry Sam C. – didn’t mean to insult by asking, I was thinking of it as a gesture of goodwill. Of course every child in WS will not benefit, due to ratio and space restraints. That said, it’s still a worthwhile project that will provide quality care for many. If you feel like donating, do…if you don’t – don’t. I did, and I live in Ballard!

By: Jtm

Jtm — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 01:15:37 +0000

Sam-C I agree. While I hope BM makes a successful move, it is odd that a for profit business is asking the public for money, when it doesn’t benefit the entire community. I too was not returned phone calls or emails when looking for childcare, which I can understand to a certain degree, but don’t ask for my dollars later. However that said, I do wish them luck because I hear it is a good spot.

By: sam-c

sam-c — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 17:06:16 +0000

Karen, to answer your question: no. it’s kinda insulting. like some private swim club asked the entire West Seattle community to donate money to upgrade their hot tub, showers and dressing rooms, but “no, swim club membership is full, you can’t join”

By: Jason

Jason — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 15:05:34 +0000

Bella Mente has the most loving and caring teachers and we feel very fortunate to be a part of the Bella Mente family. My son just loves going to school everyday and has learned so much. I hope with communities help/donations, this small WS business will be able to continue for years to come. Quality childcare is difficult to find, but this place is AMAZING! Please donate whatever you can.

By: Jeff J

Jeff J — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 06:46:32 +0000

This is such a worthy cause and a deserving organization of your support. Both of our children have been lucky to have been a part of this community.

By: Karen

Karen — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 06:18:01 +0000

If everyone in WS donated a few dollars to the project, it would help Lauren reach her goal of creating a great new space to share with WS families : ) I’m in, are you?

By: Marcus

Marcus — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 04:05:27 +0000

Good luck to Lauren and staff! Seems like a great place.
—
Maybe now you’ll respond to people’s wait list inquiries…SO frustrating.

By: Krm66

Krm66 — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 03:25:27 +0000

Awesome place. Lauren and the staff are all amazing.

By: Sutton

Sutton — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 03:19:15 +0000

Bella Mente has been a great resource for West Seattle families. Congrats Lauren on your new space – good luck on the effort!

By: Janet

Janet — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 02:36:58 +0000

Our son goes to BM. Lauren and the teachers are like family to us. This place is amazing!

By: Debbie

Debbie — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 23:06:08 +0000

My soon to be 9 year old was one of the first preschool students the day they opened. He was definitely prepared for Kindergarten – socially and academically. I am so impressed with how Lauren has taken her passion of working with kids and continues to find creative ways to achieve her goals.

By: Violet

Violet — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 22:49:45 +0000

What a great article. I have the pleasure of been a teacher at Belle Mente, as well as the parent of 2 Belle Mente kids. My oldest is now in 1st grade and is thriving not only scholastically, but socially & emotionally because of the time he spent at BM. Lauren has created a community of teachers and families here that is wonderful for the children. And that’s what it’s all about. The mobilization by the parents and teachers for this new project just speaks to the strength of Belle Mente’s vision. I can’t wait to see it come to fruition!

By: sam-c

sam-c — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 22:02:13 +0000

curious, will the new space have more room?
when I called a few years ago, was basically told, ‘wait list too long, we won’t add you, don’t call again’
it would be cool if they can expand. from the comments, it sounds like a great place.

I wonder if there are ‘gifts’ you get like other funding pages do. ie, you donate $ X,XXX, you can move to the top of the waiting list. ha ha

By: Bella Mente parent

Bella Mente parent — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 20:48:44 +0000

This is a wonderful preschool! My oldest was extremely well prepared for elementary school. Not only do children learn the basics, but also explore with hands-on projects. I love how the teachers are flexible enough to change the curriculum based on a topic that sparks interest that day. Speaking of the teachers, best group of professionals teaching our future’s young minds. They are very caring and committed to their jobs!