July 31, 2025—New York, NY—For nearly 25 years, Pajama Program has helped children facing adversity get the healthy sleep they need to thrive. We are proud to announce a new name that reflects our expanded mission and bold vision for the future: Beyond Bedtime!
As we approach our 25th anniversary, this marks a major milestone in the growth our community has made possible. What started as a grassroots effort is now the country’s only nonprofit focused solely on children’s sleep health education. We work with children and families experiencing poverty, homelessness, or facing other hardships.
“Pajamas are still a part of what we do. But now, we’re going Beyond Bedtime to give children and their caregivers the tools, knowledge, and support they need to get quality sleep and thrive tomorrow,” says Jamie Dyce, Executive Director. “We’ve taken our work further, and our new name reflects that change.”
Beyond Bedtime Executive Director Jamie Dyce and Founder Genevieve Pitturo discuss the next chapter of the organization.
How One Pair of Pajamas Led to 8.7 Million More
Pajama Program began in 2001. Founder Genevieve Piturro saw the need for children in shelters to experience a sense of safety, comfort, and joy at bedtime. “For 25 years, we’ve given pajamas and books to children who have been through traumatizing situations,” says Genevieve.
Sleep is foundational for children’s health and well-being. Children experiencing poverty are twice as likely to get insufficient sleep. This impacts every aspect of their lives. Beyond Bedtime provides tools and support to set children up for a good night’s sleep. As a result, they are better able to learn, connect with others, and stay healthy—physically and emotionally.
Today, Beyond Bedtime partners with schools, shelters, foster care agencies, and other social service organizations across the country. We provide not only bedtime essentials, but also sleep health education and caregiver support. We aim to address the unique challenges children experiencing poverty may face at bedtime.
Over the past nearly 25 years, Beyond Bedtime has distributed more than 8.7 million pajamas and storybooks. We work alongside 1,350 partners across the country, and each year, more than 150,000 children are supported.
Going Beyond Bedtime in Our Next Chapter
As we continue to expand our work, our new name helps tell the full story. Beyond Bedtime honors our roots and celebrates where we’re going next together.
“Our core mission remains focused on outcomes for children,” says Debbie Bigman, Board Chair. “This new identity provides clarity on the intended impact of our programs. It also enables us to scale our work even further.” It’s still us, grounded in care, comfort, and connection—just with a wider reach.
“Over the years, I’ve seen how this organization has evolved,” adds Ruchi Pinniger, Board Member. “Our new name is reflective of how we’ve expanded beyond the beautiful gifts of pajamas and books into sleep health education.”
Beyond Bedtime is committed to sleep equity—providing all children with the conditions, routines, and support they need to get healthy sleep. Well-rested children are better able to engage with the world around them. They can show up ready to learn in the classroom. They can build meaningful relationships and achieve strong physical and mental health. It all begins with a good night’s sleep.
Tomorrow starts tonight! ™
About Beyond Bedtime
Beyond Bedtime (formerly Pajama Program) is a national nonprofit dedicated to helping children discover and experience the superpower of sleep so they can wake up ready to thrive. We combine the comfort of cozy pajamas, the magic of storybooks, and evidence-based sleep health education to support families in creating healthy bedtime routines. Join us!
Media Contact
Melissa Bartell, Chief Operating Officer, mbartell@beyondbedtime.org