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Parents and Providers Gear Up for National Day Without Child Care

As the United States faces a worsening child care crisis, parents, child care educators, and advocates today announced coast-to-coast events coinciding with the national Day Without Child Care (DWOCC). The DWOCC will be held May 12, and is designed to build support for fully funded, quality, early childhood education and care. Several parents and child care advocates from Alabama, California, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Maine, Michigan and Minnesota, released the following statement:

“Quality child care isn’t just about economic survival, it’s about educational and developmental justice from birth,” said Alliance for Quality Education New York Co-Directors Marina Marcou-O’Malley and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari. “We cannot resolve this crisis without ending poverty wages for the child care workforce. And we must make sure that all families have access to a program. In New York, our years-long fight for a permanent workforce fund goes on, and on this Day Without Child Care, we’re demanding once again that our leaders put our children, their families, and their caregivers first. The time for half-measures ended long ago. We’re demanding bold investment now.”

Parents and providers are coming together to raise the alarm bells on the child care crisis,” said Angela Clair, director, Wilder Child Development Center in St. Paul. “Communities and families depend on childcare; and without childcare, Minnesota cannot operate. Our workforce will be devastated. Until lawmakers fully fund childcare, centers across the state will struggle to stay open. Until lawmakers fully fund childcare, parents across the state will break under the costs. Until lawmakers fully fund childcare, we are letting Minnesota children down.”

The Day Without Child Care comes on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the federal head start program. It also falls at a time when there has been upheaval in the program: Head Start staff have been cut at the federal level and in 5 regional offices. There is concern that some states may not receive current year Head Start funds because there are fewer staff to manage the program. More than 790,000 children under 5 depend on Head Start according to the Center for American Progress report.

“I’m a parent, former early childhood educator and domestic abuse survivor,” said Hazel Willow in Maine. “I learned the importance of high quality, early childhood education firsthand. I saw how access improves outcomes for DV survivors and their children. In my training as an early childhood educator I learned that a secure attachment to a consistent caregiver can remediate the negative outcomes of a child’s early traumatic experiences, and my own child’s social emotional success today is a testament to the positive impact of early childhood education. All children and their families deserve to have this same access and outcome.”

“Care is the work that makes all other work possible,” said Family Forward Oregon Executive Director, Candice Vickers. “As the future of child care for tens of thousands of families and their providers hangs in the lurch, we join together to ensure that our care infrastructure is strengthened.”

Family Forward will host a Care Can’t Wait Festival as part of Oregon’s Day Without Child Care events. It will be held on May 12 at 6:00 p.m. at Capitol Park, 155 Waverly St NE. in Salem. The event will include personal stories from parents and child care organizers, face painting and family friendly activities.

“I would never have been able to sustain employment successfully without having accessed childcare for my children,” said Charlotte Jacobs, a parent of two and also program director, Seedlings to Sunflowers in Gorham, ME. “Additionally, I secured employment in childcare, to be able to pay for the care my children would need, because it is so expensive there was no other way. 14 years later, I wouldn’t change it for the world– this job has brought me tons of joy and laughter. I see each day the critical importance that childcare providers make in a family’s life, and I see the extreme struggles this brings parents in terms of affordability, accessibility and quality. 

Child care providers are the quiet force holding up our families and our communities,” said Jasmine Bowles, executive director, 9to5 Georgia. “They show up every single day, often without the pay, benefits, or recognition they deserve, because they know families are counting on them. Many can’t take part in a Day Without Child Care Providers, because stepping away, even for a day, simply isn’t an option. That’s why one of the most powerful ways to honor their dedication is to take action. Invest in an equitable and sustainable child care system that works for all families and providers

“Taking a day to honor the child care sector and the care economy is imperative,” said LaDon Love, executive director, SPACEs in Action. “Our providers deserve increased pay and benefits, and our children deserve quality care and education.”

SPACEs in Action will take parents, child care providers and children to meet with D.C. Council members on May 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It will then host a rally and banner drop at the U.S. Capitol on May 14.

“The Day Without Child Care is a capstone event, marking years of organizing in support of greater investments in child care,” Lenice C. Emanuel, executive director, Alabama Institute for Social Justice. “Advocates will meet with legislators and highlight the need for funding that enables child care to be accessible, affordable, and available to all families. While the specific needs may vary from state to state – some states need more child care slots, other states need an expedited process to recruit and vet child care providers – there is broad agreement that the nation’s system of funding child care needs a revamp.”

“In the spirit of the labor movement, which hosted the Walk A Day in My Shoes, child care professionals, advocates and parents will participate in the Day Without Child Care. “This day is all about raising awareness about the fundamental need for quality, accessible child care,” said Danielle Atkinson, executive director, Mothering Justice.

“Parent Voices California will host a ‘Stand for Children’ event on May 14 that will see 350 parents and providers assembled at the state capitol,” said Mary Ignatius, executive director, Parent Voices California. “Parent leaders have designed a program declaring ‘Superheroes protect kids not Billionaires.’ In fact, if corporations and wealthy individuals paid the taxes they actually owed, we could have child care every day for every child across America.  This is a day about the civil and economic rights children have to early learning, their parents have to be able to work and pursue higher education, and for early educators to earn a living commiserate with their profound and lasting impact on their communities.”

On May 12 and 13, The CEO Project will bring 1,000 early childhood educators and their families to the Ohio Statehouse to urge legislators to invest in child care. If you are a member of the press in Ohio and intend to participate, you may register here.

 

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Pope Francis Was a Friend to the Poor and the Marginalized

Picture of Pope Francis

For Immediate Release

April 21, 2025

NEW YORK – United Women in Faith today mourned the passing of Pope Francis. It released the following statement which can be attributed to its General Secretary and CEO Sally Vonner:

Pope Francis was singularly unique. He was a friend of the poor, the dispossessed, and the marginalized. He championed care for creation, urging attention to the climate crisis. His papacy was characterized by attempts to right many wrongs in the Catholic Church and in the world.

“Pope Francis’ leadership required courage as he often went against the grain. For instance, the Pope was said to have sought to elevate the role of women within the Vatican. Earlier this year he named Sister Simona Brambilla to head a Vatican Office; she was the first woman to hold this position. He also called for more grace for persons who were divorced or members of the LGBTQIA community. He will be remembered as a steadfast example of Christ’s love. United Women in Faith mourns his passing and is holding the Catholic Church in our hearts during this season of transition.”

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Faces in the Movement: A Discussion with Ashley Panelli and Mica Whitfield

In this edition of Faces in the Movement, a virtual series to highlight people impacting change, we caught up with Ashley Panelli and Mica Whitfield to learn about their work and advocacy with 9to5–a grassroots power-building organization fighting for economic justice for women and nonbinary people of color.. Our discussion has been edited for clarity. We have also used initials to describe individual answers.

What do you want women to know about 9to5?

MW: Our organization is an expression of a national movement for women and nonbinary people of color. We take an intersectional, multi-issue approach– advocating alongside Black and Brown women and nonbinary people on a host of issues ranging from housing, child care accessibility and affordability, gender justice, and workers’ rights. While many people connect us with the film and documentary about our work, 9to5 is a movement for women who want more and are demanding more for themselves, their communities and future generations.

We advocate for issues such as paid leave, child care, voting rights, and climate justice. We care about every issue that impacts the lives of women and nonbinary folks. This work can vary by community. For instance, in SouthwestGeorgia, we work on utility justice. In some parts of Southwest Georgia, the utility bills can be as high as rent. This places an added burden on women who are already struggling to make ends meet.

READ MORE HERE.

Faces in the Movement: A Q&A with Khia Shaw-Wilson, United Women in Faith’s Transformation Officer

There are a host of women driving meaningful change. We don’t always see them but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist or that their work isn’t impactful. Coinciding with Women’s History Month, we are interviewing and profiling women who are advancing change.

As such, we caught up with Khia Shaw-Wilson, Transformation Officer with United Women in Faith. Shaw-Wilson has held a number of leadership positions with the organization since 2016.

Tell us about your work with United Women in Faith?

I’ve been with United Women in Faith for almost a decade. I currently serve as the Transformation Officer but previously served as the director of membership and engagement. In my current capacity, I design initiatives that align with the organization’s strategic plan, and provide oversight of the organization’s priorities: positioning the organization, engaging women to join the work, and mobilizing women to act.

What does a Transformation Officer do? 

My role is to drive innovation aligned with our organizational priorities. I work to ensure that we create short and long-term value for our members and stakeholders. This is reflected in the programming and resources that we offer.

What United Women in Faith program are you most passionate? 

United Women in Faith is a unique organization with many impactful and inspiring programs. I am most excited that we offer not just programs but experiences to meet women where they are and for every phase of a woman’s spiritual journey.

We offer Soul Care retreats for women who have prioritized their self-care and want spiritual rejuvenation, Mission u offers a transformative experience on a biblical theme through the lens of justice. We also offer a leadership track that is woven throughout our programming along with opportunities to ACT through the ongoing campaign work of advocating for “Just Energy 4 All” and “Ending mass Incarceration.” In communities, we have National Mission Institutions which serve marginalized communities and our most vulnerable populations across the U.S. We want to prepare women for mission, and offer a reading list that highlights authors and books that are important to our missional and movement work. 

Were you the architect of United Women in Faith’s Soul Care program? 

Yes, I developed Soul Care with the help of amazing colleagues. We surveyed women of all ages, ethnicities, and cultures and learned that women were seeking experiences that embody body self-care and spiritual rejuvenation. We call the merger of these ideas, Soul Care. We are intentional about including a Soul Care component in all workshops and major events. We also have held Soul Care Retreats, which offer a way to connect with other women and feed the mind, body and spirit.  

Is Soul Care available to non-members? 

Soul care retreats are designed as a welcoming event for new women to get an initial look at United Women in Faith. Our members are hosting these retreats across the country, inviting non-member friends and new women.

READ MORE HERE.

Jennifer R. Farmer, aka The PR Whisperer®, is the principal of Spotlight PR LLC. Be sure to check out other blogs and subscribe for regular communications updates. 

 

 

On 60th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday, United Women in Faith Remembers Struggle for Civil Rights

NEW YORK –  United Women in Faith today issued the following statement in remembrance of the 60th anniversary of the events leading up to Bloody Sunday: 

“On this day sixty years ago, 600 men, women, and children began to march from Selma to Montgomery to protest the suppression of Black voters. Segregationists injured 58 people that day, from tear gas burns to skull fractures. After seeing this cruelty, demonstrators rose across the country and President Lyndon B. Johnson vowed to make the Voting Rights Act law. At the successful march two weeks later, over 25,000 people arrived at the state capitol in Montgomery.

“As the largest denominational organization for women, we pause to remember the legacy of those who risked life and limb in pursuit of the right to vote,” said Sally Vonner, General Secretary and CEO of United Women in Faith. “Although it has been 60 years since Bloody Sunday, we know that the fight for voting rights – indeed civil rights – continues.”  

“We may not all feel the brunt of an officer’s baton, but we are still fighting against repressive forces who stand in opposition to voter access for all. During the United Methodist General Conference in 2024, Vonner introduced legislation regarding Voting Rights Protections in the United States on behalf of United Women in Faith. The resolution passed and now serves as a reminder of The United Methodist Church’s commitment to voting rights. It is also an expression of our appreciation for those who fought so women and people of color could exercise their right to vote.

“In the same way that our foremothers and ancestors stood against segregation and fought for civil rights, we lift our voices today. 

“On this 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday – and every day – we honor the sacrifices of past generations and look ahead to the work that is left to be done,” said Vonner. “We will put faith, hope and love into action to overcome every trial we face.”

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United Women in Faith is a sisterhood acting in faith to tackle the hard work of the world without hesitation. Connect with the organizationhere.

This post was updated on March 7 at 8:50 am to reflect corrections.

United Women in Faith Celebrates Women’s History Month, Honors Founding Mothers

For Immediate Release 

March 5, 2025 

NEW YORK – As we celebrate Women’s History Month, United Women in Faith issued the following statement:

Throughout history, women have driven the charge for justice and equality. From Sojourner Truth and Reverend Anna Howard Shaw fighting for the right to vote, to Mary McLeod Bethune fighting for equality in education, to Fanny Crosby composing over 8,000 hymns and songs as a blind woman, Methodist women have set the foundation for a more fair and just world.

“We are inspired by the women who came before us and pushed the boundaries of what women were allowed to do,” said Sally Vonner, General Secretary and CEO of United Women in Faith. “Our history informs our work today, and we build on the principles that they championed.”

Today, leaders such as Vonner, Sung-Ok Lee, Susan Moberg, Tamara Clark, Mollie James-Vickery, and Khia Shaw-Wilson follow in the steps of our foremothers. Through educating, organizing, advocating, and programming, they continue to strengthen our communities and create justice.

Programs such as Mission u, a transformative educational program encompassing both Bible-based curricula and events, and Soul Care Retreats, which rejuvenate the spirit and nurture the whole person, bring us together and remind us of our mission. From eight women in 1869 to nearly half a million members today, United Women in Faith is continuing the fight for a more equitable, connected, and inclusive world.

“It is an honor to be a part of such a dedicated, accomplished team of women leaders leading the way for change,” said Vonner. “I’m here to lead and serve our members, but I’m also part of the community–and what a strong, hopeful community that is.”

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United Women in Faith is a sisterhood acting in faith to tackle the hard work of the world without hesitation. Connect with the organization here.

The Nation Must Quickly Course Correct

For Immediate Release
February 19, 2025
 
NEW YORK – United Women in Faith, the nation’s largest denominational organization for women, today expressed concern regarding the early policy actions of the new administration.
 
“We are deeply troubled by the administration’s policy decisions, including the systemic rollback of civil rights protections, especially for communities of color, withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, expulsion of immigrants and proposals to dismantle organizations like USAID, which provide essential humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations globally. Such policies threaten the well-being of individuals and communities that depend on the support of these programs.
 
“As an organization rooted in faith and committed to justice, we hold that every individual, regardless of immigration status, gender, class, race, religion, sexuality, or location, is made in the image of God and deserves dignity, care, and respect (Genesis 1:27). These policies contradict our belief in the fundamental rights and inherent worth of all people.
 
“We believe that government has a sacred responsibility to protect its people and those most vulnerable in society. Instead, we are witnessing policies that foster division and disproportionately harm those who are already marginalized, including women, children, immigrants, indigenous peoples, queer communities and communities of color. As Scripture teaches, ‘Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!’ (Amos 5:24). Justice and righteousness should guide all of our national policies, ensuring that they serve the common good.
 
“The President’s recent foreign policy comments also raise serious concerns. We are deeply disturbed at the proposed expulsion of more than 2 million Palestinians from their homeland in Gaza that [is tantamount to ethnic cleansing and] violates international and humanitarian law. As an organization that values the pursuit of peace and reconciliation, we urge our leaders should respect international law and act with wisdom and caution in all matters of foreign policy.
 
“We are deeply disturbed by the attempt to roll back basic civil rights protections for students, to increase the criminalization of communities of color and to undo gains made in advancing climate justice. As United Women in Faith, we’re committed to ensuring that the long-term interests of women, children and youth are central. “United Women in Faith calls on our nation’s leaders to place greater emphasis on policies that promote justice, equity, and reconciliation. We urge all elected officials to uphold human rights and the dignity for all of God’s creation and work toward the common good of all people, regardless of their background or political views. The health of our nation depends on a commitment to fair and just policies that reflect the values we hold dear as a society.”
 
To learn more about our social justice work, click here.

United Women in Faith on USAID: To Continue to Freeze Aid is To Break with Precedent and Sacrifice Human Lives

For Immediate Release

February 12, 2025

NEW YORK – Following the administration’s decision to shutter the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United Women in Faith expressed concern for the millions of individuals and programs served by USAID. They lamented the challenge the lack of funding will have on core programs, including Africa University, which is affiliated with the United Methodist Church:

“It is imperative that the courts step in and save the lives of thousands of persons served by programs of USAID, including Africa University. To continue on this path of cruelty, in the freezing of foreign aid, is to break with precedent and sacrifice human lives. With each passing day, humanity hangs in the balance.

“We shouldn’t wait to see bodies piled up in international streets to take action. Nor should we allow our conscience to be desensitized to the pleas and pain of our brothers and sisters abroad.

“USAID was mandated by Congress and the government has a responsibility to act. People of faith must hold them accountable for doing so. We are urging all members of United Women in Faith to call their congressional leaders and plead for mercy and action.

“We are also reminding the nation of these words from Matthew 25:37-40: “Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you? The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’””

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Read other press statements here.

Advocates Note Chaos Created By White House’s Proposed Funding Freeze on Life-Saving Programs

For Immediate Release

Jan. 28, 2025

WASHINGTON – On Jan. 27, President Donald Trump announced that his administration would pause federal grants, loans, and other financial assistance. The announcement sent shock waves across the country. On Tuesday, Jan. 28, U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan temporarily halted the administration’s funding freeze. By late Wednesday morning, the White House Office of Management and Budget rescinded its proposal.

Human rights advocates, including some affiliated with the Raising Child Care Fund, noted the chaos the proposal had on families and communities. They voiced concerns over the impact of cuts to lifeline programs such as Medicaid, Head Start, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and more:

“Children are not Democrats nor Republicans,” said Tyrone Scott, Director of Government and External Affairs, First Up. “They are simply looking to us, the adults, to make decisions that give them the best possibilities for their futures.  The proposed freezes and political gesturing do not do that. We urge all elected and appointed officials to reach out to actual experts and use their input to make decisions. Campaign slogans and rhetoric do not help children. High quality education, healthcare, food security and housing help children.”

“Freezes to federal funding that cuts access to food, shelter, healthcare, or other essential support services will be an economic disaster for working women and nonbinary people of color,” said Mica Whitfield, 9to5 Co-President/CEO. “One missed payment is an unacceptable loss for hard-working people. Any gaps in service or payments will devastate working families. While hiding behind eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, the administration wants to destabilize the very people they seek to silence– people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and women who are already navigating systemic inequities in an economy designed to leave them behind.”

“For small businesses across America, the administration’s decision to freeze all federal funding could be catastrophic. Federal funding serves as the backbone of many community programs and initiatives that small businesses rely on to thrive,” said Richard Trent, Main Street Alliance Executive Director. “Without it, essential services like infrastructure development, workforce training, and childcare programs—services that allow small businesses to operate and grow—will crumble and the ripple effects will hit Main Street hard. As a member of the Wisconsin Care Coalition, Main Street Alliance stands with other coalition members like 9to5 Wisconsin and Wisconsin Early Childhood Action Needed (WECAN), in highlighting the severe consequences this freeze will have on small businesses and the broader community.”

“”Parents, child care providers, and early childhood educators across Ohio are uniting to demand real investments in child care and early childhood education because every child deserves a strong start,” said Tami Lunan, Organizing Director, The Care Economy Organizing Project in Ohio. “Programs like Head Start, Medicaid, and SNAP aren’t optional; they are the foundation of healthy child development and family stability. Freezing federal funds for these critical programs is irresponsible. It directly undermines the care and education systems that working families rely on, putting our youngest and most vulnerable children at risk. We need long-term funding solutions that support those who care for and educate our children, not political decisions that jeopardize their future. Ohio families deserve better, and we won’t stop organizing until every child has access to the quality care and early learning they need to thrive.”  

“We knew this was coming,” said Marina Marcou-O’Malley and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, co-Executive Directors, Alliance for Quality Education. “His goal is to create chaos, fear, and helplessness. By spreading lies and misinformation, he wants to erode our trust in government, so that our collective efforts to fight back are lost in the confusion. Here are the facts: Congress—not the president—controls federal spending. New York State has significant power to protect and support our communities. Don’t sit on the sidelines. Call your Member of Congress and demand they reject this. Tell the Governor and Mayor that complacency is not an option. And before you do anything else—remember to breathe.”

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The Alliance for Quality Education is a coalition mobilizing communities across the state to keep New York true to its promise of ensuring a high-quality public education to all students regardless of zip code.

The Raising Child Care Fund (RCCF) is an initiative of ECFC that pools private foundation dollars to give grants to groups that lift up the voices of families, early educators, and allies—working alongside them to build powerful coalitions to transform child care and expand equity.

The CEO Project organizes parents, child care providers, and teachers to take collective action on issues that impact the care economy in Ohio.

9to5 fights for worker justice and family and community sustainability and is building power in our communities. We have active voter engagement, paid leave, utility justice, climate justice, childcare, anti-discrimination, and anti-harassment campaigns throughout the state of Georgia. Our members span from the Metro Atlanta area to Southwest and Central Georgia, and Savannah, Georgia.

 

Advocates React to President Trump’s Proposed Funding Freeze on Life-Saving Programs

For Immediate Release

Jan. 28, 2025

WASHINGTON – On Jan. 27, President Donald Trump announced that his administration would pause federal grants, loans, and other financial assistance. The announcement sent shock waves across the country. On Tuesday, Jan. 28, U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan temporarily halted the administration’s funding freeze. Human rights advocates, including those with the Raising Child Care Fund, voiced concerns over the impact of cuts to lifeline programs such as Medicaid, Head Start, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and more:

“With wages so low, and the price of basic necessities like food, health care, and rent so high, working families depend on federal programs like child care, Head Start, SNAP, and TANF to make ends meet,” said Mary Ignatius, Executive Director of Parent Voices.

“This administration has been in power for less than a month and it is already clear that the President is determined to pay for tax cuts for his billionaire friends by taking resources away from working people,” said LaDon Love, Executive Director of SPACEs in Action. “Every community in America is harmed by this order, from children in HeadStart to veterans, from medical researchers to construction workers.”

“Not only does this order bring harm and confusion to some of our most vulnerable community members, it is an attack on our Constitution which does not allow the President to disobey laws simply because he does not like them,” Love added. “If the President wants to repeal programs like Medicaid and HeadStart, let him take his case to Congress.”

“For this reason, our organization has chosen not to rely on federal grants. However, we actively advocate for child care providers who do benefit from these supports, working to advance the critical infrastructure necessary to meet the needs of marginalized families and children across Alabama,” said Lenice Emanuel, Executive Director of the Alabama Institute for Social Justice.

“Federal funding has been crucial in sustaining early education programs, especially in under-resourced communities where access to quality childcare and education is already limited,” said Dr. Constance Smiley Dial, owner of Trinity Kids Learning in Mobile, AL. “For providers like me, these grants are essential to maintaining operations, supporting staff, and offering affordable care to working families. These funds enable us to invest in updated educational resources, implement advanced curricula, and ensure safe and nurturing learning environments for the children of Alabama.”

“There is a very fragile and thin line between keeping a roof over your head or homelessness,” Ignatius said. “It is abhorrent that there is any discussion to freeze and essentially cut life-saving relief while boasting extending tax cuts for the 1% who don’t need it. This will cost taxpayers $400 Billion per year, and increase poverty at unprecedented rates.  The administration is limiting life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness to only the richest in this nation. It’s shameful.”

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SPACEs in Action is a non-profit, grassroots organization that advocates for the health and dignity of Black and Brown communities in the DC Metro region.

Parent Voices is a partnership of parents throughout California that combines leadership development and community organizing in its efforts to increase funding, improve quality, and provide better access to child care for all families.

Alabama Institute for Social Justice (AISJ) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for social justice and racial reconciliation across the state of Alabama.

Trinity Learning Center is a Christ- Centered Daycare that always strive to show each child that God’s world is a beautiful place to live, love and learn!

The Raising Child Care Fund (RCCF) is an initiative of ECFC that pools private foundation dollars to give grants to groups that lift up the voices of families, early educators, and allies—working alongside them to build powerful coalitions to transform child care and expand equity.