ADCAN ~ Association of DC Area Nannies Celebrates 25 years!

by Kellie Geres, Regarding Nannies Development Team & ADCAN President

In addition to being part of the Regarding Nannies team, another hat I wear is current president of ADCAN ~ Association of DC Area Nannies.  On September 19, ADCAN kicked off its 25^th year serving the nanny community of Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland.  Starting with a nanny member brunch to kick off NNRW followed by our monthly meeting and celebratory birthday cake, ADCAN rang in 25 years in style and unveiled its new logo.

This is a milestone any nanny, business or nanny group should applaud.  For 25 years this group has been run by nannies – for nannies.  Nannies serve on the board of directors and their dedication to this organization is what has helped it thrive and survive all these years – with only membership dues, support from industry businesses and fundraising, not to mention the countless volunteer hours of its board, is an accomplishment all their members should be proud of and one of which I am honored to represent.

Created by the late Harriette Grant and a group of dedicated nannies, ADCAN has continued to thrive and serve the DC nanny community in many ways …

Social – with monthly Nanny Night Out and Social events, nannies have the opportunity to get out in the local communities, connect with other nannies and enjoy shopping, restaurants, movies and friendship.  Social events are opened up to include friends and significant others in activities such as bowling, Renaissance Festival, Game Night and more.  We all know being a nanny can be isolating, so by providing planned events each month, we hope to get the nannies out and connecting with each other.

Educational – through monthly meetings (September – May) ADCAN brings in area experts as well as utilizing our members for informative talks on child development, personal and professional development, open discussions and industry happenings.  Speakers have included area professionals on insurance, finance, personal health, dermatology, employment communication, photography, nanny-employer work agreements and more.

Networking – through their relationships with many area businesses that support the purpose of ADCAN, members have access to some of the top agencies and industry services this profession has to offer.  New nannies are able to connect with veteran nannies and learn from the best.  Our members are some of the best nannies in the community, including founding members, board members, INA Nanny of the Year, and one member who has 50+ years of child care experience under her belt.  Our members are professional caregivers with 5, 10, 15, 20 or more years of working as a nanny and nannies who are married, have their own child and bring their child to work with them.

Support – no one knows our job better than another nanny.  Put a group of nannies together and there are sure to be those who’ve had that experience and know what you’re going through.  ADCAN is not alone is offering support to nannies.  There are many nanny groups out there that provide these benefits and others.   Nanny Groups are not a venue for us to gather and bash our employers or agencies.  This is where we come together and share, learn, laugh, cry, and celebrate being the professionals we are.  While supporting each other, another facet of ADCAN is its involvement in supporting the community.  For years ADCAN has continued to give back to charities by collecting donations, holding fundraisers and bringing awareness to its members.  This year, ADCAN will be working to collect donations for The Children’s Inn at NIH.  Our members are some of the most generous I know and never fail to amaze me with their gifts of supplies, time and money.

In my 21+ years of Nannying, I have been part of many nanny groups. Many have come and gone, new ones are created, leadership changes. But the purpose of nanny groups remains the same – serve the needs of the nannies of the communities in which we live and work.

I hope that Harriette is smiling down on us and all that we accomplish and do for the nannies of the DC metro area.  I’m proud to be of ADCAN and how it reaches out to other groups and serves as an example of hard work, perseverance, dedication, and loyalty.  And to the dedicated members – past and present – thank you for all you have done for ADCAN. Your contributions are many and appreciated.