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

Undaunted: One Woman's Life in the ALICE Gap

A story of resilience and generosity, from right here in Weld County. Today we talk with Pu Meh, a mother of three, medical assistant, and bright spirit who takes us inside "life in the middle" as an ALICE family. We talk about What is Alice?, staying courageous in the midst of great challenges, and how our response to difficulties shapes our lives. Stay inspired: Like and Subscribe to help us grow the podcast and share stories of a community coming together for good. To learn more, visit www.UnitedWay-Weld.org.

15 - Giving Does Good in Stereo with Nate Taverner

Giving has been shown in recent studies to benefit the giver as well as the receiver. So, we're revisiting this uplifting and creative conversation with Nate Taverner, VP of Development, where he shares what philanthropy can mean to a life well lived. Stay inspired! If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe. It helps others hear good news happening in Colorado and beyond. To learn more, visit www.WeldTogether-Weld.org

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]