• contact@extraordinarybirthdays.org
  • College Park, MD

Extra-Ordinary Birthdays

Restoring joy. Building belonging. Celebrating children experiencing homelessness.

Extra-Ordinary Birthdays exists to ensure that children experiencing homelessness are seen, celebrated, and reminded of their worth—especially during life’s most uncertain moments. For many children living in shelters, birthdays pass without recognition, marking not a celebration but another reminder of instability. Yet these moments matter. Research and lived experience show that positive, affirming experiences play a critical role in shaping a child’s confidence, sense of identity, and emotional well-being.

Through personalized birthday celebrations, Extra-Ordinary Birthdays creates meaningful experiences that restore joy, strengthen family connections, and foster a sense of belonging. Each celebration is tailored to the child—reflecting their interests, honoring their individuality, and ensuring they feel valued. Beyond the celebration, the organization engages caregivers through initiatives like Extra-Ordinary Moms, providing books and resources that encourage bonding, literacy, and positive role modeling.

By addressing both the emotional and relational needs of children and families, Extra-Ordinary Birthdays fills a critical gap in services—transforming a single day into a lasting source of confidence, connection, and resilience.

Mission

Extra-Ordinary Birthdays transforms the lives of children experiencing homelessness by creating personalized birthday experiences that build confidence, restore a sense of belonging, and support healthy emotional development.

Vision

We envision a community where every child experiencing homelessness feels seen, valued, and celebrated—and where moments of joy strengthen families, foster resilience, and support lifelong well-being.

Our Impact

Strengthening children and families one birthday celebration at a time. Extra-Ordinary Birthday celebrations are tailored to have an impact in five areas:

  • Children Feeling Valued
  • Caregiver Empowerment
  • Community Involvement
  • Inspired By Books
  • Lasting Transformation Via Hope

Our birthday celebrations are designed to promote positive youth development, strengthen the parent/child relationship and support the entire family.

Core Values

  • Respect

    Extra-Ordinary Birthdays treats our clients colleagues and our community with dignity, equality, courtesy and consideration.

  • Commitment

    Extra-Ordinary Birthdays is committed to partnering effectively with families, shelters, organizations and communities to carry out our mission with excellence.

  • Accountability

    Extra-Ordinary Birthdays exercises honesty and responsibility in its actions, decisions, and use of resources.

  • Passion and Pride

    Extra-Ordinary Birthdays' enthusiasm and passion is conveyed in all of our communications and professional interactions.

  • Teamwork and Collaboration

    Extra-Ordinary Birthdays' mission is successfully carried out through staff, volunteers and partners sharing ideas talents and resources. In addition, EOB strives to work collaboratively with families, shelters, organizations and communities throughout the world.