Amarilis never thought she’d have children because of a medical diagnosis. But after what she calls a miracle and a high-risk pregnancy, Amy was born in 2016. Now, she’s a very involved mom and an advocate for her daughter—and the children of our community. But her inspiration came from an unexpected source: Our United Way.
From left to right: Maria Clara Hoyos, site director at Lillie C. Evans, Zohet Iturbe-Gonzales CFE family engagement specialist, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Amarilis
Through her employer, Jackson Health System, Amarilis learned about United Way’s Early Head Start – Child Care Partnership programs. But before that, she didn’t really know what our United Way did for our community’s individuals and families.
“To be honest, I always received emails from United Way, but never read them,” Amarilis confesses. “It wasn’t until my daughter started with Early Head Start that I really educated myself and everything United Way does for the community. I thought, ‘Wow, this is awesome! And they’re right around the corner!’”
Amarilis learned about what our United Way was capable of when Amy was just 6 months old. “I realized she wasn’t making any sounds,” Amarilis says. “I took her for an evaluation, and they said she’d need speech therapy. They told us about the Early Head Start program and I was put on the waiting list.”
She was able to register Amy when she was just 14 months old. From there, she applied for Amy to join United Way’s Center for Excellence in Early Education Demonstration School, and she learned just how important it is not just to stand up for Amy, but for all children.
“When Amy started, she didn’t know how to write,” says Amarilis of her 3-year-old. “After just three months, she’s writing her name.” Amarilis was impressed by the school’s thorough lesson plans for each student, and wanted to find a way to help children on a national level; that’s how she learned about the parent ambassador program.
As part of the policy council, she was able to attend a conference this past January in Washington, D.C. and meet with politicians to discuss the education of our nation’s children. Her involvement as part of the parent ambassador program, which started at the demonstration school just last fall, pushes for what’s best for our community’s children.
“We met with Senator Diaz-Balart and an assistant of Marco Rubio’s,” Amarilis says. “I advocated for the system and schools. I believe the demonstration school should be replicated and every kid should be able to receive the quality of education that my daughter is receiving, regardless of how much money their parents make.”
The four-day conference inspired Amarilis to not just be a voice for her daughter, but for all children. “I always wanted to do something for the community, and I believe in this program’s mission and vision,” she continues. “If everyone put a little bit into the program, we’d have a stronger future for our children.”
Want to learn more about our United Way’s work in education? Visit https://unitedwaycfe.org/.