News @ the 112

This story comes from Diana Jaramillo Pardo, an Early Head Start Education and Family Support Specialist, who shares a powerful example of why this work is so meaningful to her.

As a Family Support Specialist, I have the privilege of supporting families through some of the most difficult and life-changing moments they face. Every story is unique, but one family in particular has stayed close to my heart. It’s a story that reminds me why this work truly matters.

About eight months ago, I met a mother and her young daughter. From our first meeting, it was clear she wanted something better for her child, but she was trapped in a painful situation. She was living in a domestic violence relationship, without money, without a job, and without a safe place to turn. She was scared and overwhelmed, unsure of how to protect herself or her daughter.

She reached out for help, not just someone to talk to, but someone to walk alongside her through the process. Together, we developed a plan. Step by step, she began reclaiming control of her life.

She made the incredibly brave decision to leave her relationship, even though it meant facing homelessness with her daughter. Those early days were filled with uncertainty and hardship, but she never stopped moving forward. We worked together to apply for a childcare subsidy so she could find work and stability, and soon after, she succeeded. Gradually, life began to change.

Today, just eight months later, she has her own home. Her daughter is excelling in childcare, and this brave mother is working and rebuilding her life. Watching her resilience and growth has been one of the most inspiring experiences of my career.

Throughout her journey, I often checked in to make sure our visits weren’t adding stress to her already full days. Each time, she said no, she wanted to continue. Even when we met in public spaces like a library, she told me those visits were something she looked forward to each week.

“Even when I had nothing, no home, no job, and no idea how to start over, I felt like I wasn’t alone,” she shared. “Diana believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Those weekly visits gave me hope, and that made all the difference for me and my daughter.”

That’s what makes this work so meaningful. It’s about showing up when times are tough and celebrating the quiet victories that often go unnoticed. When families are provided with the tools, trust, and space to make their own decisions, incredible transformations can occur. Even when progress seems slow, we are planting seeds that will continue to grow over time.