Edina Resident Honored for Combating Poverty's Impact on Youth

"I love that place," said Desiree Briseno. "Personally, I just don’t know where I’d be without them."

Briseno is talking about Baby’s Space, the brainchild of Edina resident Terrie Rose, a child psychologist and pioneer in the field of early childhood development. 

Founded by Rose in 2000 at the Little Earth Neighborhood Early Learning Center in Minneapolis, Baby’s Space was designed as a childcare and early childhood education center that would combat the adverse effects of poverty on a child’s development.

"We have for a long time tried to look at symptoms and treat symptoms of poverty and violence," Rose said. "Even with everything we’ve done, we’re still looking at a huge achievement gap. [Baby’s Space] changes the perspective and takes it from the baby’s point of view.”

Originally from Denver, Rose has lived in Edina since the the birth of her oldest child, who is now 21. She has two other college-age children as well.

Baby’s Space currently serves more than 50 families and approximately 85 children. Rose is also working to create a network of other organizations which will implement the Baby’s Space model, with hopes of impacting the lives of 500 to 750 children and families within the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota over the next couple of years.

Briseno has six children under the age of 16 and another one on the way. She has been making use of Baby’s Space since its inception.

"All of my children grew up in that place," she said. "I grew up there. I was 20 years old when I had my first one — they taught me a lot."

Rose recently returned from New York, where she was among 10 individuals from across the nation recognized by the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC) with the 2011 Lewis Hine Award. Named for the NCLC photographer who documented child labor practices and whose work aided the enactment of child labor laws in the US, the Lewis Hine Awards are presented each year to professionals and volunteers who are creating positive changes in the arenas of child health, wellness and education.

Rose said the Lewis Hine connection is a particularly meaningful one. 

"He was a photographer that captured child labor—he captured the perspective," Rose said. "In the U.S., we have virtually eliminated child labor. I’m hoping to use that same kind of perspective taking. From the baby’s view, when you’re growing up in trauma and poverty, this is what it looks like."

Jeffrey Werbalowsky, co-CEO of Houlihan Lokey, nominated Rose for the award. Werbalowsky has known her socially for 17 years, but didn't learn of her work until 12 years ago. At that time, Rose had a smaller operation but big ideas. Werbalowsky described her as being ahead of her time.

"She understood even then that early intervention was so critical in breaking the cycle of poverty and dysfunction for our most at risk communities," Werbalowsky said.

Calling Rose a "true altruist," Werbalowsky said the decision to nominate her for the award was a "no-brainer."

"She’s changed lives and she’s changing lives," he said.

For her part, Terrie Rose is humble but proud of the work to which has dedicated herself.

"It’s nice to be a catalyst for the work, so I’m happy to have this recognition," Rose said.

But for all the congratulations and momentum that come with this level of award, Rose said she finds the true reward in the children and families she serves.

"It’s the knowledge that we’re consistent and reliable and always a place that’s going to support them," she said.