Today we’d like to introduce you to Waynesha Brown.
Waynesha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hi, I’m Waynesha Brown, founder of A Mother’s Hand to Hold Learning Center. I opened the center in 2024, but my journey in childcare started long before that. I was around 11 or 12 when I began helping at my mother’s family childcare center in West Philadelphia. I watched her grow from one center to a larger space and eventually become the owner of multiple centers. Growing up around her work showed me how much a childcare center can mean to a family.
During COVID, I started a nonprofit called A Mother’s Hand. My hope was to create a group home or another safe space for girls, especially those who had lost a parent. That desire to give back is still part of everything I do.
As a big sister from a big family, I know how much children benefit from having people who care about them. I opened my learning center to be part of that village for families in my community. Family engagement is one of my favorite parts of this work because it gives me the chance to build real relationships with parents and help children feel supported both at home and at school
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My transition into becoming the owner of an early childhood center was pretty smooth overall, but nothing is perfect, so I expected a few obstacles. I had to go through additional zoning requirements and obtain a different certificate of occupancy. One day I told myself, I had to take that leap, trust my faith, and go after what I wanted, knowing I could achieve it. Managing everything in the beginning was a little tough, but I worked through it\. This experience taught me to trust myself and keep going, even when things get challenging.
As you know, we’re big fans of A Mothers Hand to Hold Learning Center. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
A Mother’s Hand to Hold Learning Center started with me opening my dream center—one of many I hope to own one day. I opened AMH in 2024 in West Philadelphia with a vision of creating a place where children feel safe, loved, and excited to learn. We serve children from six weeks to 12 years old, offering infant, toddler, and preschool care, before and after-school care, and summer camp.
Childcare has been part of my life since I was young. My mother started with a family childcare center and grew into owning multiple centers. Watching her journey helped me believe that I could build something of my own. Coming from a big family and being a mother myself, I understand the importance of having people you trust to care for your children.
What makes AMH special is the love and family connection behind it. We focus on children’s learning, confidence, independence, and social skills while building relationships with their families. I want parents to feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, and being involved in their child’s growth.
Family engagement is one of my favorite parts of what we do. Our activities, events, and everyday conversations give us opportunities to connect and support one another. I have always wanted to give back to my community and be part of the village it takes to raise children. AMH allows me to do that every day.
My proudest accomplishment starts with opening my dream center and now walking into my third year as a business owner. Working toward Keystone STARS 3 and 4 while finishing my bachelor’s degree has taken dedication. Balancing my center, school, and motherhood has not always been easy, but I have kept going. Achieving STAR 4 with my team makes me proud of how far we have come.
I want readers to know that AMH is built on love, commitment, and a desire to see children and families do well. This center is a dream I stepped out on faith to pursue, and I am excited to keep growing.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
A Mother’s Hand and A Mother’s Hand to Hold Learning Center go hand in hand. I started my nonprofit, A Mother’s Hand, during COVID with a dream of opening a group home and creating a safe space for girls, especially those who have lost a parent. That dream is still very much a part of me.
One day, I hope to give those young women a safe place to live, support to pursue their goals, and opportunities to work at my centers and become part of our work family. I want them to have guidance, encouragement, and people they can count on.
Both organizations come from my desire to pour back into my community and build something meaningful for my child. As a mother, I know how important a mother’s touch is—the love, comfort, patience, and reassurance. That is what my staff and I work to provide at AMH: a home away from home where children and families feel cared for. Through my learning center and, one day, my group home, I want to continue being part of the village.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amhandlc?stkn=MXI0dm1xbXRrM203dg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/fGGda8VWws
