By Dulce, a previous HIPPY program participant
What gives you hope and brings you joy? For me, it is my little one, my Levi. He is my light, and I love seeing his eyes light up when he knows the answer to a question or learns a new word.
But it wasn’t always this way.
As a toddler, Levi was quiet and shy. He didn’t speak. I was worried I’d done something wrong. Then, my friend told me about a Mile High United Way program called HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) that could help Levi catch up with other kids his age.
That moment changed our lives forever.
Now, Levi is more open and friendly. I felt so much joy when his teacher told me how he raises his hand saying, “Oh, I know the answer!” Mile High United Way helped my son find confidence in himself.
His change is a miracle to me.
Catalina and Nancy also helped me discover the path toward a bright future for myself. I joined a Parent Advisory Council and shared my ideas to strengthen our community.
With Mile High United Way’s support, I also received my early childhood education teacher and director certifications from the Community College of Denver. These degrees gave me the confidence to dream big. I wanted to go further and receive my associate’s degree.
I knew it would be very difficult. I was working full time as a paraprofessional at Levi’s school, enrolled in HIPPY with Levi and going to school. But this was my dream.
I’m so proud to say that in August, I joined Mile High United Way’s HIPPY team as a community advocate coordinator.
My new job is in part thanks to a generous grant from the HCA Healthcare Foundation to United for Healthy Starts. This national collaboration among four United Ways, including Mile High United Way, helps to increase access to social, economic and education support services for families nationwide.
I love encouraging other children’s growth – just like Mile High United Way helped me nurture Levi. Now I help other families the way my family received support.
From assisting with utility payments and connecting my family to other basic needs resources to providing Levi with books and holiday gifts at community events like Children’s Holiday Party – Mile High United Way has helped my family find a new path toward success.
Your support creates new opportunities for hundreds of Metro Denver families and children like mine. Thank you for stepping up to support Mile High United Way’s mission.
With immense gratitude and hope,
Dulce
