When I first moved to Florida with my husband and children, we were all so happy. My husband had a great job, we had a big home and plenty of savings, so, when he asked me to give up my job, I agreed. I was happy being home with our children, taking care of the family. He was working a lot of hours; or at least he said he was working. I came to find out that he was spending all of his time and our money supporting his addiction to drugs. He soon abandoned us and left me and my children homeless. I packed whatever would fit into my car and had to find a place to stay. Once I found somewhere for us to live I knew I had to work or go to school. I decided to return to school and work part time to make ends meet. But, of course what was I going to do with my children? I called the Early Learning Coalition's Child Care Resource and Referral and they were able to help me find a safe child care center. The Early Learning Coalition helped me pay for child care so I could keep up with my other bills. I also enrolled my older child in Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten and I believe that made a big difference for them.
After a while, I started working part time at my children's child care center and the Early Learning Coalition helped me with training for that job. Now, I'm a nurse, the children and I have our own apartment and we even have a puppy!!!! After everything, with all of the Early Learning Coalition's help, we have survived, we're now making it on our own and we're finally happy!
Tamara's Story
Six months ago I lost my job, leaving my family living on one income. My husband and I have two children, ages 7 years and 10 months. We had no idea how we were going to afford child care and keep up with our bills, while I went out interviewing for possible new jobs. I had recently heard about the Early Learning Coalition and its program that allows parents who are receiving Unemployment Compensation to apply for child care assistance.
The Early Learning Coalition helped me find child care for my children and assisted with the cost of child care, so that I could look for a job. Now I have a great new job and am currently working towards no longer needing their services! I love knowing that my children are being properly cared for, and I can't wait to be able to give back to these types of agencies that have helped my family and me get back up on our own two feet!
April's Story
I have a dream for me and my children. I want to go back to college and get a degree in health care administration and nursing, and I want to know that my three children are in a safe and educationally focused environment.
Because of the assistance the Early Learning Coalition provided, I was able to begin working in health care as a temporary worker. I have sinced been promoted to a full time management position. Knowing my children are safe and well cared for means that I can concentrate on my job and not worry about them. I also don't have to worry as much about cutting expenses to pay for good child care.
The staff at the Early Learning Coalition has always treated me courteously and professionally. They helped me find a wonderful day care facility, even one with Saturday hours. My children's social skills have improved. They can write their names and are even learning Spanish! We are on our way!
Alisha's Story
Alisha is a single parent of a five month old little girl. She just enrolled in the ELC School Readiness Program which provides a subsidy for Alisha's child care expenses at a center in the ELC provider network.
"Without ELC, I don't know how I would make it. This program has changed my life for the better.”
Alisha cannot work and care for her baby without support. She says that without the ELC, she would be "looking for handouts everywhere.” With plans to save money and go back to school, Alisha wants to start a college fund for her daughter, so that she can have an opportunity to achieve her goals.
The ELC School Readiness Program has allowed Alisha and her daughter to take the first steps towards self sufficiency and independence. Alisha can now begin to realize a better life for herself and child.
"My daughter will learn that there is always someone there to help you.”
To read a few of our client testimonials, please visit our client testimonials page!
