For Enrika, ECS4Kids became more than a place where her children could learn and grow. By having her children’s early learning needs met, she gained the time and stability to pursue her own dreams, launch businesses, and create new opportunities for her family. Her story shows what can happen when we invest in the whole family: we give parents the opportunity to build a stronger future and help break the cycle of generational poverty.
Before your children enrolled in ECS, what made it difficult for you to focus on your own career or business goals?
At the time I was a full-time parent who couldn’t afford childcare. While my career allows me the flexibility to take them with me, there are times I don’t have space in my car because it’s full of balloons which meant if I couldn’t pay someone to watch my kids for me, I was stuck.
How did having your children in ECS give you the time, stability, or peace of mind you needed to pursue your own economic goals?
Freeing up those school hours allowed me to be able to focus on my business by going to meetings or taking gigs without my kids while they were with ECS. Even something as simple as being able to run errands and doing so in less time was a godsend. I don’t think people consider how much time and energy it takes transporting multiple kids from one location to another… in and out of a car seat, packing snacks, holding hands to cross the street, diaper changes, and nap time. I remember at one point, I didn’t have AC and there were times I didn’t eat because I needed to feed them, but I knew with ECS, they were cool, safe, and fed.
You’ve been able to develop and launch your own businesses. What role did ECS play in giving you the opportunity to take that step?
Not only did ECS bring exposure to my business through hiring me for high profile events, but they elevated my platform by allowing me to tell my story at those events, on their social media, and even on TV. I have gotten clients for both my vintage clothing store and balloon business because they heard of me through ECS!
Were there any ECS family services, resources, or connections that helped you overcome financial challenges or move your family closer to stability? If so, how?
Daycare is almost unaffordable. You feel like you go to work just to pay for your kids to be taken care of by someone else and that’s not even them receiving actual early learning. Not to mention the savings through resources such as diapers, therapy, food, wipes, etc. ECS not only helped me keep money in my pocket, but it put money in it by booking me for events.
When you think about the future you’re building for your children, how has ECS helped you break barriers and create opportunities that can change your family’s trajectory for generations to come?
I was completely homeless when I first enrolled my kids. Imagine being a homeless, at-home mom with no income. But now? I have a home where my kids can feel not only safe, but comfortable. And while I’m building my business during the day, I know they’re clean, fed and cared for while learning. Sure, I do my part as a mom at home, but it removes the pressure of me having to be a mom and a teacher because they have teachers who do more than just teach – they actually care. I can honestly say that I’ve dug myself out of poverty with the help of ECS.
