As we conclude the Healthy & Ready to Learn program, we reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared with the families in our community. The program, which began in 2021 with the support of First 5, has been a beacon of hope and support for early childhood development and family well-being.
Family's leaving the San Joaquin County Library's Reading Bus with books at our First 5 Graduation on June 22
Reflecting on Three Years of Impact
Our final event of the month, the Healthy & Ready to Learn First 5 Graduation on June 22, was an amazing yet bittersweet celebration. This program has been a cornerstone of our efforts to support early childhood development and family well-being. However, this graduation will be our last due to funding constraints. Families gathered to celebrate their achievements, enjoying games like "fishing" and treasure hunts in the sandbox. The San Joaquin County Library's Reading Bus joined us, reading enchanting stories to the children and allowing them to pick a book to take home. The heartfelt gratitude from the families and the dedication of our educators were poignant reminders of the impact we've had on the community and the importance of early education programs.
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The Impact of Healthy & Ready to Learn
The Healthy & Ready to Learn program has provided support for families in our community. Through the dedication and compassion of our educators, we have empowered parents to become their children's first teachers, fostering a nurturing environment that prioritizes healthy habits, strong family bonds, and early childhood education.
Achievements Over the Years:
- Serving Over 150 Families: Our program reached more than 150 families, providing personalized support and resources to help them thrive.
- Educational Workshops: Monthly workshops connected parents with vital community resources and educational opportunities, extending our impact beyond the weekly visits.
- Community Outreach: By attending over 50 outreach events, we ensured that families across San Joaquin County had access to the support and information they needed.
One of the children in our program holdings a plastic fishing pole, his parents look at him while he looks up to our Lead Educator Stephani.
A Message from Our Lead Educator, Stephani Estrada
"We started the Healthy & Ready to Learn Program funded by First 5 back in 2021. In those 3 years, we started by having 2 educators and rapidly grew into having 4 educators," shared Stephanie Estrada, our Lead Educator. "We were privileged and grateful enough to serve over 150 families in our 3 years of the program."
Stephanie highlighted the dedication and growth of the program, saying, "During that hour we would discuss with the families how important it is to eat healthy, exercise, and the importance of bonding with their children. We gave the parents the tools to becoming their child's first teacher by guiding parents and giving them the resources they needed."
Our Parent Educator, Brandon, helps a child with his fishing pole while the child looks up at his parent's excitedly.
Educator Bri helps one of program participants with her graduation cap.
Stephani (right), Briana (center), and Brandon (left) pose together at the graduation.
A Bittersweet Farewell
As we say goodbye to Healthy & Ready to Learn, we reflect on the profound impact this program has had on our community. The bonds formed, the knowledge shared, and the lives touched will forever remain a part of the YMCA's legacy. "Our educators poured their hearts into this program and the bonds created with the families will forever be part of our Y," Stephanie expressed.
While this chapter may be closing, the spirit of Healthy & Ready to Learn will live on in the continued work of the YMCA. We are also thrilled to announce that Stephanie will be moving into the role of Interim Youth Development Director and will be taking over our Lodi ELOP afterschool programs and summer camps.
Together, we have made a difference, and together, we will continue to build a stronger, healthier San Joaquin County.
