As I bid farewell to 2024, my heart is full. ❤️
This has been a year that has been nothing short of transformative for Carefully: a journey of milestones, growth, and, most importantly, connection.
My team and I spent the year pouring all our energy into expanding our impact, nurturing communities, and creating meaningful solutions for families who need them most.
Each step forward has been fueled by the stories, struggles, and triumphs of the families we serve, and as we look back, we’re both humbled and inspired.
Here’s how Carefully has grown—and why we can’t wait to see what’s next.
New App Features
We rang in the new year with a renewed focus on making childcare more accessible and affordable for families. Leveraging the power of community-based care, we expanded our platform, making it easier than ever for parents to exchange care with trusted neighbors and friends. This foundation set the stage for a year of impactful growth and innovation, with features like Trust+, Virna, and a flexible subscription model.
Trust+: Our identity verification and safety screening process enhances security within the Carefully community. (Sign-up takes less than a minute!)
Virna AI: An AI-powered feature that offers personalized guidance and support, allowing parents to navigate the complexities of parenthood with greater ease and confidence. The beta version is FREE for all Carefully members.
Pay What You Want: Our flexible subscription model allows users to choose the level of support. Every bit helps us stay ad-free and accessible to all families.
Small Moments, Big Wins
This year reminded me that big wins are often built on small, meaningful moments.
We kicked off Women's History Month with a special appearance on The Today Show, where I had the honor of sharing my journey as a female founder. It was a surreal and inspiring day, and I hope our conversation encouraged someone out there to take the leap and start their venture.
In June, I had the honor of attending the 2024 Engine | Advocacy & Foundation Fly-In in Washington, D.C., where I connected with fellow founders and met with policymakers to advocate for policies that support startups.
I served on the United We Commission on Childcare and Entrepreneurship which culminated in the release of the Statement of Principles and a roundtable in DC with leaders in the childcare industry and members of the commission.
Carefully was one of 5 companies selected for the Stitch Crew Fall '24 Cohort of the Future of Women at Work Program.
I was incredibly grateful to be part of this powerhouse group of women-led companies building real solutions for caregivers, working families, and employers, all to create more inclusive workspaces.
I was also deeply honored to be recognized in the inaugural SEEN 50 list, created by Tech NYC and Visible Hands to celebrate underrepresented founders in NYC leading transformational startups.
It was humbling to stand among so many changemakers shaping the future.
As the year drew to a close, Carefully participated in the National Child Care Innovation Summit, where I connected with incredible leaders like Wendy Doyle.
We were also thrilled to be featured in EPIC’s new Employer Child Care Navigator—a step forward in ensuring families have access to the resources they need.
Oh, and in case you missed it, I shared insights as a guest on the Birthful Podcast during their series Get a Head Start on Your Postpartum Logistics. I covered:
Exploring various childcare options,
Navigating economic subsidy programs,
Communicating non-negotiables when selecting care, and
Building a supportive community network from the very beginning.
Building Communities:
At Carefully, we believe care is a community effort, and throughout 2024, we found meaningful ways to prove it. Every event and initiative this year showcased the power of community, the joy of giving, and the importance of mutual support.
We proudly hosted and supported a variety of events, including:
Community Co-ops
Slime Parties
Dance Classes
Free Assistance and Childcare Information Sessions
Voucher Assistance Programs
We also made the holiday season extra special by sponsoring incredible giveaways!
One highlight was the Boxes of Love Giveaway at Saratoga Park, where we distributed essential items to families in need ahead of Thanksgiving. To close out the year, we participated in the 5th Annual Winter Wonderland Toy Giveaway—a magical event that ensured every child received a toy!
Hosts with the Mosts Group
Building a community takes dedication, selflessness, and constant care, so we created a group that offers valuable insights and celebrates members' efforts and growth.
To further support these initiatives, we also offer a monthly stipend for members planning community activities—a small token of appreciation for their incredible work.
Interested in joining? Reach out to us!
Supporting Small Business
This year, we focused on expanding our platform from parents helping parents to include small businesses who are a vital part of the communities they serve.
We teamed up with amazing partners like Families First, family child care networks, educators, and small businesses like Nueva York Kiddos to co-create a solution that uplifts both businesses and the families they serve.
Our pilot launched with Family Child Care businesses in North Carolina, and the feedback has been incredible!
We're so excited to expand this program, offering families more budget-friendly, community-based childcare options they can truly rely on.
Are you a small business interested in partnering with us?
Looking Ahead
Carefully’s growth in 2024 isn’t just about numbers—it’s about impact. By building and nurturing strong, resilient communities, we’ve created a platform that doesn’t just serve families—it transforms them.
Our user base has grown significantly, engagement on the app has skyrocketed, and the positive feedback we’ve received affirms the need for community-driven childcare solutions.
As we look to 2025, we’re excited to expand our reach, introduce new features, and deepen our impact.
With the childcare crisis continuing to affect families nationwide, the demand for Carefully’s innovative solutions is greater than ever.
We invite you to join us on this journey.
Together, we can continue to revolutionize childcare, foster meaningful connections, and empower families.
Here’s to another year of growth, impact, and community.
Love, Leslie
❤️