Nurturing Bright Futures: Inside the Child Development Center of Catholic Charities

“Every child is a learner, navigating their path uniquely, and here at the Child Development Center, it’s our honor to teach these kids.” This statement from Maru Garcia, the director of the Child Development Center (CDC) is at the core of all Catholic Charities early Childhood Education (ECE) programs. “I’ve been in education for 30 … Read more

From Samaritan House to Early Childhood Education, Diega and her family embark on a new chapter

In 2019, Diega and her family arrived in Denver from Honduras. The adjustment to a new city, new language and new culture was challenging, but thanks to the support from the Samaritan House team, they were soon able to find stability and a place to call home.

It was at Samaritan House where Diega first heard about the Early Head Start Home-Based Option, a Catholic Charities program that provides early childhood education and support for families with young children. She jumped at the opportunity to enroll her children, knowing that it would provide them with a solid foundation for their education and future success. With the help of the program, her family secured a long-term residence through the Denver Housing Authority, and her children soon began attending the Mariposa Center for additional support and learning.

Diega also became involved in the Early Head Start Policy Council, serving as a Parent Representative and advocating for the needs of other families. Through her involvement, she learned about the plethora of resources available to families in Denver and made connections with other parents who were going through similar experiences. She also received invaluable support and guidance in preparing her children for kindergarten, something impossible without the program’s help.

Diega knows there might be some bumps along the way, but she’s sure she’ll create a great future for her kids. With a smile on her face, she’s ready to dive into the next part of her family’s adventure, full of excitement and possibilities.

Kentucky Head Start: Embracing Language Diversity

Step inside the vibrant walls of our Catholic Charities Head Start Kentucky location, and you will immediately sense the electric energy of language diversity. Kentucky is a Head Start program designed specifically for families who meet specific financial needs and criteria. What sets this location apart is its one-of-a-kind bilingual classroom, where English and Spanish … Read more

Mariposa Early Childhood Education Center: A Holistic Approach for Students Success

Mariposa Early Childhood Education center proudly opened its doors in 2012. The building was specifically designed and built for the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program and features six specialized classrooms that cater to the distinct needs of every child, allowing them to thrive and reach their full potential. Mariposa, which is one of six early childhood … Read more

VIDEO: Rachel and family flourish at ECE

With Catholic Charities supporting her, Rachel keeps moving onward and upward, including her two sons attending its Early Childhood Education centers. “If my son Liam wasn’t in Head Start program before going into kindergarten, he wouldn’t be where he is at now,” Rachel said about her 6-year-old son. “I feel like he was already ahead … Read more

Faces of Hope: Liliana

Liliana said her greatest hope is keeping her family together. She participated in Catholic Charities’ Early Head Start prenatal program and felt she had the help she needed. “I think that in my personal experience, finding the possibility of belonging to the Catholic Charities’ program was a blessing in the process of (my) pregnancy,” she … Read more