In June, the Together for Kids Coalition (TFKC) launched the Family Advisory Council to amplify the voices of families in Worcester. To date, the Council has given local parents and caregivers an inclusive platform to share and learn from one another's shared perspectives and experiences. This is leading to meaningful change in early childhood systems.
Edward Street has been buzzing about the Council since its launch last year. Momentum is building as more parents and caregivers get involved. Let's meet the new members and hear what the future holds.
Introducing the Family Advisory Council
The TFKC Family Advisory Council is made up of parents and caregivers who want to build a community where families feel empowered to influence early education and care (EEC) policies, programs, and practices. The current Council members include:
- Kayla Baillargeon
- Alissa Briggs
- Natalie Cintron
- Catherine H.
- Kayla Kintchen
- Maggie Kilcoyne
- Iliana Leis de Torres
- Wairimu Macharia
- Ada Rapo
- Crystal Rosado
These Council members come from a wide range of backgrounds — here are some of their stories:
- Crystal is a mother and grandmother committed to being a strong voice for families and growing children. "I joined the Council because I believe that families and children need to be heard and supported," she says.
- Alissa is the mother of a young daughter, Jillian. She also works at the Worcester JCC. She says she joined the Council to try to help improve life for all families in Worcester.
- Maggie is a mom to three boys. She works at Worcester Family Partnership, where she engages with local families regularly. She brings this working experience, as well as her lived experience as a parent, to the Council.
- Wairimu is a mom of three. She engages in the Council as a parent with lived experiences. She said that she is blessed to have access to resources that support her as a parent. "(Even though) we are living in dark times, it always looks darkest before dawn," Wairimu says.
- Kayla has a 3-year-old daughter and brings this lived experience to the Council. She's also a software engineer.
- Catherine H., a mother of three and an occupational therapist, is the newest Council member. She says she wants to advocate for empowering parents and caregivers as critical partners in their child's developmental and educational journey.
What do these and other Council members have in common? Together, they are shaping the future of early childhood systems.
"The Family Advisory Council is so important because it centers the voices, experiences, and leadership of families in the decisions that impact them. It creates a space where parents and caregivers can share their perspectives, help shape programs and policies, and ensure that services truly reflect the needs, strengths, and cultures of the communities we serve," says TFKC Consultant Yolanda Ramos.
The Family Advisory Council is made possible thanks to local support. TFKC is grateful to Webster Five, Country Bank and Cornerstone Bank for their contributions.
Interested in Joining the Family Advisory Council?
You can join the Family Advisory Council if you are a parent or caregiver living in Worcester with a child under the age of 6 or are pregnant. Reach out to TFKC Coordinator Yolanda Ramos at yiramosr@gmail.com for more information.
Click here to sign up for TFKC's meetings and newsletters to stay up to date on Council meetings and initiatives.
Edward Street is a proud partner of TFKC. Read these blog posts to learn more about TFKC and how it's transforming early education and care for children and families in Worcester:
- Buzz on the Street: Welcome Baby Guide Gives Worcester Parents the Resources They Need to Thrive
- “Equity From The Start” Forum Brings Worcester Families and Local Leaders Together to Craft Community Solutions
- A Groundbreaking New Proposal from Edward Street and the Together for Kids Coalition
Check out our blog and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook for updates about TFKC and its initiatives.