In early 2023, our family was a household of four living on two incomes—me, my husband, our 10-year-old son, and our toddler daughter, Stevie. Then, everything changed. I lost my job while pregnant with twins. Suddenly, our family of four became a family of six, and we were down to just one income. We couldn’t afford daycare, and the twins—born early and placed in the NICU—needed expensive formula to supplement my breast milk. We were stretched past our limit. Every day felt like a balancing act between survival and showing up for our kids.

When I found out our neighborhood school offered free Pre-K, I signed Stevie up as soon as she was eligible. She started Head Start in fall 2024, and almost immediately, we saw a change in her. She became more confident, more social, more curious. Her teachers are phenomenal—not just educators, but advocates. Because of them, we as parents have a voice. Stevie still has another year in the program, and she already seems ready for kindergarten.

Through Head Start, I got involved as our school’s parent chair and later became the parliamentarian for the district-wide policy council. I had already returned to school to pursue a business degree, but this experience helped me find my purpose. I’m now focused on nonprofit fundraising and advocacy—because I’ve seen the power of programs like this firsthand.

But beyond all that, I found something I didn’t even realize I needed: community. I’ve met lifelong friends through Head Start—parents like me, each dealing with their own challenges, but all deeply committed to showing up for their kids. We’ve built a support system that’s honest, strong, and ongoing. Head Start didn’t just give my daughter a solid foundation. It gave me one too.

And the journey isn’t over. When Stevie heads to kindergarten, her twin sisters will begin their own Head Start chapter. I already know how transformative it will be—because I’ve lived it.

Anytime someone asks on social media where to send their child for Pre-K—or even when they don’t—I speak up. Because so many families still don’t realize what an incredible, free program Head Start is. It has changed my life in more ways than I can count, and I’ll never stop being grateful to be part of it. 

It’s not just for the people you think who need it, it’s for you, even if you don’t think you qualify.