As I put together the Ocean State Kids annual report, I’ve stumbled upon an unexpectedly emotional realization.
I’m working on a page that outlines our nonprofit’s Primary Challenges—the hurdles we’ve faced and, more importantly, how we’ve overcome them together as a community. The title of this page? The Little Engine That Could. (Clever, I know. A few pages have some fun nods to beloved children’s books.)
Ocean State Kids has had its share of challenges—funding sustainability, unpredictable weather, land use, and the ever-growing need to manage capacity. The organization took off faster than I ever imagined in its first year, which was both exhilarating and overwhelming.
As I was drafting this section, I chose a photograph of my son, Otto, playing quietly with a small wooden train. That image, alongside the words The Little Engine That Could, hit me in a way I didn’t expect. Because, in so many ways, Otto is that train—full of curiosity, determination, and an unwavering drive to find his place in the world.
Back in September, I made the difficult decision to step down as a group leader so I could better support Otto, who was struggling with communication and large social settings. It was a tough pill to swallow, but an easy choice to make—because just like The Little Engine That Could, Otto needed to take his own path, at his own pace.
But today, something shifted. We decided to attend the Lil’ Compton Explorers group, led by Marlen Oliva, for a tour of Peckham Greenhouse. I was hesitant. Would Otto feel overwhelmed? Would he struggle to connect?
But let me tell you something… I don’t know if it was the calming presence of the greenhouse, the lush greenery surrounding us, or simply the right moment in time—but I watched my little engine chug along, step by step, embracing the experience. He said “Hi” to another child for the first time, and he rubbed his head on a little girl as the peaked their heads over the pond. Affection, I assume.
And in that moment, I realized—just like Ocean State Kids, just like The Little Engine That Could—we keep moving forward, no matter the challenges.
Because we can.
If you are curious about our Primary Challenges, here is a draft of the information.
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