About Us
History
Birthday Wishes was founded in November 2002 by Lisa Vasiloff, Karen Yahara, and Carol Zwanger – three friends
and colleagues who wanted to help homeless children build self-esteem. Having volunteered in several homeless
shelters, it occurred to the trio - as they attended one of their own children’s birthday parties - that at the
shelters, children’s birthdays often came and went uncelebrated. Their subsequent research indicated that no
organizations existed exclusively to provide birthday parties to children living in homeless shelters. After
speaking with local shelters and state advocacy groups, they found that most homeless shelters do not have the
personnel or resources necessary to hold birthday parties for the children who stay there. Furthermore, the
parent (usually a mom) is often unable, both economically and emotionally, to organize a party for her child.
Some parents, embarrassed that they don’t have money for cakes and presents, don’t even tell their children that
they have a birthday. For homeless children, birthday parties are a luxury that neither the parent nor the shelter
can afford.
Yet a birthday is an important event in the life of a child, and Birthday Wishes was founded on the belief that
every child, regardless of their living situation, should have their birthday recognized and celebrated. Birthday
Wishes has found that something as simple and ‘normal’ as a birthday party has the power to make these children
feel both special, and, perhaps more important, like a “regular kid”.
The first parties were held at the Second Step shelter in Newton, MA. Within a few months, 8 more shelters were
added, and within three years growth had doubled. Today serves over 1000 children in more than 65 shelters in
Eastern Massachusetts and Worcester. Birthday Wishes hopes to reach all children living in homeless shelters in
the state of Massachusetts within the next 5 years and serve as a model for Birthday Wishes branches in cities
throughout the U.S.
The rapid and continued growth of Birthday Wishes is due in large part to community involvement. Everyone can
relate to the importance of a birthday, and this has meant much grass-roots support. Birthday Wishes volunteers
number over 400 and include local teens, adults, and children, participating as individuals or as part of a family,
scout troop, church group, sports team, or school program. These volunteers are a diverse group representing over
scores of communities in Massachusetts and range in age from toddlers to senior citizens. Volunteers help to provide
the party supplies needed for monthly parties and, most importantly, attend and help run the birthday parties. The
various ways in which volunteers can contribute allow for many levels of participation and provide a wonderful
opportunity for families to volunteer together.