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Get to know CCRC’s Thriving Families
For 50 years, CCRC has been connecting families to child care providers, strengthening families, and helping our communities thrive. Discover how child care and early education makes a difference from the voices of those who’ve experienced it firsthand.
These stories highlight the challenges families faced, the resources they received through CCRC and how their lives were transformed.
We’re all in this together and together we can continue to strengthen our families and our communities.
For more information, please email [email protected].
How American Families Make It Work
Local families and child care providers sit down with us and share their child care journey.
Meet Jaqueline
This determined Aunt shares how CCRC’s Child Care Bridge program helped her keep her family together.
Meet Rebecca
A single mother who shares how child care financial assistance help her and her family thrive.
Meet Yeni
She shares how CCRC helped her family and her bicycle business thrive.
Meet Desiree
A mother of two who shares how CCRC’s programs has impacted her family’s life.
Meet Tashebia
A mother of two shares how CCRC helped her get out of homelessness.
Meet David Moreno
A former CCRC parent shares his success story and how he is giving back.
Meet Alina
Little Bess Day Care owner shares how her need for child care led to her current small business.
What Others Are Saying
Child Care Financial Assistance
American families who need help finding and paying for child care are helped by CCRC.
“I have my 11 month old niece who was placed with me. My life changed overnight. Once she was placed with me, I ran into the issue of who is going to watch her. I missed a whole week of work with no pay trying to figure out my situation. This program really helped me keep my job. This program is one that really helps out families in need and I am one of them.”
– Single Aunt/Foster Parent from Ontario, CA
“The economy right now is a scary place and worrying about how our children will be taken care of should not be one of those worries. This program should absolutely stay and continue to receive funding. It’s one of the few life lines that help us rebuild our lives or just continue to survive.”
– Single Parent with two children from Rialto, CA
“As a result of subsidized child care, a CCRC single father of three children (a 7-year-old and 9-year old twins) has been able to keep his job with Foundation Administrative Services, Inc making $1,845/month while also attending training at Summit College studying to become a welder.”
– Single Parent with three children
Economic Struggles & Food Insecurity
American families cope with economic struggles by utilizing various resources, including government assistance programs like SNAP and WIC, seeking help from food banks and pantries, and accessing community support networks.
“The economy changed tremendously. There are barely any jobs. The cost of food is very high. I’m a family of four and it’s very hard to maintain my family, from affording food to clothes to every day needs.”
– Single Parent from Redlands, CA
“Receiving CCRC has been a tremendous help in allowing me to return to work and provide for my family. It has enabled me to afford basic necessities like groceries and rent, and to stay financially stable.”
– Single Parent with two children from Granada Hills, CA
“We had a major income issue where we had to choose buying food for the week or paying utility bills. My husband and I work full time, but it became extremely difficult to afford child care and to find a provider to trust your kids with. Since we couldn’t afford child care, I was having a difficult time with my previous employer, I was at risk of losing my job.”
– Married with two children from Palmdale, CA
“There was a time in our lives where we had to rely on food stamps and help from WIC. I tried to find other ways of securing a better future for my family, but child care was so expensive we could not afford it, and I felt stuck. Had it not been for the CCRC program I would have never been able to go back to school and obtain my Associates in Respiratory Care.”
– Two Parent Household with two children from Highland, CA
Head Start
Head Start helps American families make it work by providing a comprehensive program to support children and families promoting school readiness, long-term educational success, and overall family well-being.
“From the meals to the quality of care, to the workshops, to the trauma informed trainings, I don’t think we would be able to find the same thing if I were to go elsewhere, or if Head Start wasn’t around. I would also struggle with balancing work and school and child care. It would directly impact my ability to provide financially and emotionally for my kids.”
– Single Parent with two children from Los Angeles, CA
“The early intervention and resources provided by Head Start equipped me with the tools necessary to seek appropriate support. Today, my daughter is a well-adjusted, competent, and a thriving young woman. Her journey is a testament to the value of early childhood screenings and intervention.”
– Married with five children from Adelanto, CA
Health Insurance
American families access health insurance through a combination of private and public sources.
“We were struggling financially and had nobody to watch our daughter. If it wasn’t for this program there would be no way I could afford $350/week for child care on top of our rent and bills. It would be impossible for me to have my job at Lowe’s. I also provide my daughter’s dental and medical health insurance from my job so this program has really made a HUGE impact on my family’s lives.”
– Two Parent Household with one child from Fontana, CA
Homelessness
American families experience homelessness due to various factors, including poverty, lack of affordable housing, job loss, and the need for support services.
“We were homeless. We relocated to Lancaster for new jobs and were barely making our rent and bills. We needed child care and couldn’t afford to pay anyone to watch our 13-month-old son and 7-year-old daughter after school hours. Through CalWORKs, I found out about CCRC, which was a life saver. We really would not have known what we would’ve done. I pray they not take away this program.”
– Married with two children from Lancaster, CA
“A 34-year-old single parent and her school age child were unhoused. Because of the child care support from CCRC she has been able to work for Amazon making $1,748/month and attend Santa Monica College. Because her child is in a stable child care program she is able to work without worry. She expressed that she will always be grateful to CCRC for helping her and her child during their darkest hours.”
– Single Parent with three children
Losing Public Benefits
American families cope with losing public benefits in various ways, including borrowing from family and friends, utilizing community resources, and seeking assistance from non-profits.
“It feels like we’re being punished for trying to be better. We’re trying to become more stabilized. My husband’s now working for the federal government. He wants to stay long term because of the benefits. But as soon as he joins, all those benefits are cut.”
– Married with two children from Antelope Valley, CA
“Looking at my husband’s income, they said, you make too much per month and they terminated the benefits, which unfortunately has now affected my ability to feed my family. I now have to rely solely on food banks to help buy food because I can’t afford to go to the grocery stores anymore and get food there.”
– Married with two children from Antelope Valley, CA
Family Stability
American families build stability through a combination of financial resilience, strong family dynamics, and societal support systems.
“I was unemployed and going through depression after giving birth. After I was able to gain employment, CCRC allowed my daughter to continue going to daycare. She’s so smart and she knows her letters, shapes, numbers, and colors. None of this would be affordable without help from CCRC. It’s an excellent program that deserves its funding.”
– Single Parent with one child from Antelope Valley, CA
“Working for Children Services it’s my job to ensure the safety of children in their homes and I often work long hours. I would not be able to work and focus on my job if I didn’t have the assistance provided by CCRC. While I am helping other children I am confident that my children are in a good child care setting, a setting that meets my work hours which at times can be unexpected.”
– Single Parent with one child. Works in Riverside County
“If I lose child care, it would have a big impact on my life. I would struggle to keep working regular hours, which could affect my income and job stability.”
– Single Parent with one child from San Bernardino, CA