Meet Zoe and Mari and learn why access can’t wait.
When child care works, families thrive. When it doesn’t, everything becomes harder; work, school, stability, and opportunity.
This spring, through our Bloom Together Campaign, we’re inviting you into a story about access, what it means, why it matters, and what’s at stake right now.
Across our community, families are facing impossible challenges:
- Waitlists that stretch for months
- Costs that rival or exceed rent
- A child care workforce under strain
- Public funding that doesn’t meet the level of need
For parents like Zoe, these barriers were very real. When her family situation changed unexpectedly, Zoe found herself navigating parenthood on her own while trying to stay in school and provide for her young son, Mari.
“I was really nervous. I had never gone through all of those waters,” she shared.
She wasn’t just looking for child care, she was looking for stability, guidance, and a way forward. Through BrightSpark, Zoe was connected to critical resources that supported her to take those first steps forward:
- Access to a trusted child care provider who became an extension of her family
- Access to diapers, formula, and gas support
- Access to experts to help navigate and apply for child care subsidies
That starting point changed everything. Today, Zoe is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and Mari is thriving in a stable, nurturing environment. But access like this doesn’t happen on its own.
Funding from individuals and corporate partners is critical, ensuring families like Zoe’s can access not just child care but the full range of support they need to thrive. Monthly giving is especially powerful, providing sustained, reliable support that allows this work to continue long term.
This is how we build access. Together.
With gratitude,
BrightSpark Early Learning Services
BrightSpark accepts donations in many forms: cash, credit cards, fund transfers, checks, money orders, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, donor-advised funds, and more! If you have any questions or would like more information on ways to give, please get in touch with our fund development department at getinvolved@childcare.org.
All photos on this email are credited to ©LisaBontjePhotography