Taking the Next Step
You’re the reason Kimberly and Aja have a bright future
Kimberly lost her full-time job six months into the pandemic and had to make ends meet with part-time jobs. She felt stuck only able to focus on the obstacles in front of her instead of her family’s future. Kimberly knew she would need to find reliable childcare for her daughter if she was ever going to get ahead, have a full-time job, a home of their own, and better opportunities in life. And then she heard about Early Head Start opening child care in the Lynchburg area.
She took a deep breath and submitted an application for her 1-year old daughter Aja – not sure if she would be eligible. Like an answer to her prayers, Aja was accepted. The Family Engagement Specialist, Crystal, reached out quickly and started a family assessment to help identify what support Kimberly and her daughter would need in addition to childcare. After making sure they had access to food, supplies, and care, Crystal asked “If you could do anything with your life Kimberly, what would it be?” She was stunned. If her daughter had what she needed, what then could she do to create a better life for both of them?
After some thought – she responded that she had always wanted to pursue a career in agriculture. Crystal then worked with Kimberly to start looking for ways to gain training and educational opportunities in agriculture. As her guide, Crystal helped her make a list of what she would need in order to apply for programs including school transcripts, GED records, and prerequisite courses.
“I am with a family from the beginning and get to watch as their circle of support grows. It’s beautiful to see when a family starts thriving – they are better able to care of their children.” – Family Engagement Specialist.
And now because of you, Kimberly is well on her way to making this dream a reality. Aja has full-time care in Early Head Start and Kimberly is pursuing an education in agriculture. Having the encouragement to find stability where she is right now and then be able to think ahead for the future is only possible because of you. Kimberly had a Family Engagement Specialist right there to not only ensure her daughter’s needs were met, but also to walk with her to take the next step.
Kimberly is able to share what she is learning in her agriculture courses at the EHS center’s garden having her very own hands-on learning experience. She hopes to teach other families and engage other parents in the garden along the way. Your gift makes dreams like this possible and plants seeds in the community for a better tomorrow.
You transformed Kimberly’s life, and have given her daughter Aja a great head start. Without you, she would have had a very different journey. Every day there are mothers, who much like Kimberly, need someone to walk with them and find a way out of poverty and into a better life. Not just for themselves, but for their children. Because of you and your support, help, and resources are ready and waiting for a mother in need.
Learn more about the Early Head Start program at HumanKind by visiting here.