Q & A with Parent-Child Home Program
learn more about the Altruist February charity
Our February charity, Parent-Child Home Program, has some incredibly inspirational stories for you! They are helping our communities in so many ways — preparing kids for school, building confidence, and bringing families closer together. Early childhood education is something very dear to my heart and I’m so excited to share PCHP’s story with you.
Q: What would you like to achieve in 2014?
Each year we strive to expand our proven program to reach more under-resourced families across the country. This year we are focused specifically on expanding our work with immigrant and homeless families. PCHP is uniquely suited to work with homeless families because our early literacy specialists’ travel to the families, wherever they may be living at the time — in motel rooms, shelters, transitional housing, etc — bringing them gifts of books and educational toys and modeling for parents appropriate parent-child interaction and ways to engage their children in reading and learning. For families that are constantly in transition without the stability of a home, having their very own books and toys, the routine of their early literacy specialist coming to them each week, and dedicated parent-child time, is very powerful. Similarly, for immigrant families who are often isolated due to poverty, and language and literacy barriers, a home visitor who shares their background and speaks their language, quickly becomes a trusted advisor and can help parents find the confidence they need to prepare their children for school success, access in community resources, and put their family on the path to a brighter future.
Q: Do you have a favorite story of someone your organization has helped?
All of our families have such inspiring stories of overcoming challenges. One in particular that stands out to me is a family that lost their home and had to move into a shelter with their three children. The youngest boy, Noah, was 2-years-old at the time and seemed to be hit hardest by the challenging situation. He was very shy, clung to his parents, was easily frustrated by his inability to communicate, and was noticeably behind developmentally compared to his older brothers. The parents were very worried by their financial situation and upset about the impact it would have on their boys, particularly Noah. When they learned about PCHP, they decided to enroll with Noah in hopes that he would learn to speak. When PCHP’s Mobile Outreach program began working with Noah and his mother, Yolanda, in the shelter they were both worried, distracted, and reserved. The early literacy specialist, Sarah, brought them puzzles and picture books and encouraged Yolanda and Noah to spend time reading and playing together. Yolanda started to notice that Noah was interacting in their sessions and began to relax and focus on their time together instead of worrying about their situation. When they were transferred to a new shelter — suddenly and without explanation — they were concerned that they would not be able to participate in the Program, but Sarah found them and continued to visit them. The comforting sense of routine became a buffer against the unpredictability and insecurity of homelessness for both Yolanda and Noah. In the face of so much adversity, Sarah watched Noah and his mother begin to bond; their interactions became less stressful and more positive, loving, and educational. And, it worked! Over the course of two years Noah started talking, became less frustrated, and more outgoing, and Yolanda was often beaming with pride instead of nervous and worried. This story is such a great example of the power of the program for both parents and children facing some of life’s greatest obstacles.
Q: If you had to describe the Parent Child Home Program in one word, what would it be?
Transformational
If you’re as inspired as we are, consider becoming an Altruist. Learn more about our community and how we’re changing the world, $1 at a time.
