The Weld Together Podcast

14 - "We Don't Get These Years Back:" The Promise of Early Childhood Care

Some conversations are too good to miss, which is why we're offering you this energizing and fascinating interview with Stacy Howard of the Buell Foundation, originally aired on the podcast last year. It's worth hearing again: Nearly 90% of a child's brain develops before age five - which makes this an urgent conversation to be a part of, and as you'll hear, an inspiring one. You won't want to miss all that Stacy unpacks for us regarding the science of childhood development, and the ripple effects of care over a lifetime. Learn more and donate at www.UnitedWay-Weld.org

13 - Care that Lasts a Lifetime: Child Care at Home

Across the nation, generous people have chosen to open their own homes to offer licensed child care to other families. They willingly renovate their homes, and often their own careers, to welcome little ones into their care. What happens in a home child care setting? In this episode, Jane Martin, United Way of Weld County's Childcare Coordinator -- and a former at-home child care provider herself -- opens a window into the inner workings of creating a business of care that not only empowers parents to go to work, it creates bonds that last a lifetime. Subscribe to stay inspired -- and see the difference you can make at ⁠www.UnitedWay-Weld.org.

12 - Family, Friends & Neighbors: The Hidden Heroes of Child Care

Family, friends and neighbors are the people who make up our lives. They also make up the largest, but perhaps most hidden child care workforce. Over 65% of young children in Weld County rely on family, friends, or neighbors (FFNs) for care while their parents are at work. These providers look like grandmothers, aunties, former teachers, and willing community members who step up and open their own homes to children. Lorena Ruiz and her team supports FFN's with training, resources, and support. As she shares in this episode, do not think of FFN's as babysitters; "FFN's are not informal," she shares, "they're foundational." In this episode, we learn what it takes to become an FFN, and Lorena shares her own story about the moment she found she needed an FFN herself. Subscribe to stay inspired -- and see the difference you can make at www.UnitedWay-Weld.org [www.UnitedWay-Weld.org]

11 - The Vision is Personal, with CEO Melanie Woolman

What would it look like if we could walk each other home at the end of a day? This question lay at the root of a childhood experience of United Way of Weld County's CEO, Melanie Woolman and what shapes her role as a parent and an advocate today. In this episode, she opens up about why the vision for early childhood care is a personal one, and shares one small act of service we can do that will literally change the world. Subscribe to stay inspired -- and learn more about the difference you make at www.UnitedWay-Weld.org [www.UnitedWay-Weld.org].

10 - An Easy Tax Credit that Truly Changes Lives: Colorado Childcare Contribution Tax Credit

Did you know that you can get 50% back on an eligible donation, just by claiming a Colorado tax credit...and it will literally change lives at the same time? It's quick and simple to do! In this episode, we walk you through (step by easy step) how to claim the tax credit for yourself -- in less than 3 minutes. Anyone in Colorado can take the Childcare Contribution Tax Credit when they donate to an eligible program. Coloradoans have already invested $66 million through this tax credit alone, which helps fill the gap in childcare across the state. Why not join us? Get out your computer and press play on this episode to claim the credit for yourself. Learn more and donate at www.UnitedWay-Weld.org.