This year marks three decades of unwavering service, driven by the collaborative efforts of our community! For 30 years, The Family Center/La Familia has been a cornerstone for families and children in northern Colorado, providing affordable and high-quality childcare. Through a holistic approach, our center has delivered essential services that foster economic mobility and overall family well-being. Since its inception, La Familia has aspired to create a community that is safe, supported, and thriving. Achieving this milestone has been possible solely through the generous support of donors, partners, volunteers, and community members.
While our center serves all families needing extra support in their journey, we also provide essential services to the Hispanic/Latino community in Northern Colorado. In 1990, Latinos made up 9% of Colorado’s population, and as of 2023, the Hispanic/Latino population in Colorado was approximately 1,336,328 individuals, accounting for 22.74% of the state’s total population. It is crucial to recognize the significant contributions of the Hispanic community in Colorado, which plays a vital role in various sectors such as agriculture, construction, and service industries. Their influence is a driving force behind the state’s economic growth, making them an indispensable part of Colorado’s workforce.
In the mid-1990s, there was a notable rise in political activism. For instance, the Colorado Latino Forum, established in the early 1990s, was actively addressing key issues such as economic development, and education for the Hispanic community. Their goal was to build political power and advocate for the community’s needs. In Northern Colorado, our center has fostered ongoing opportunities for residents to express their concerns through participatory processes informed by the Mi Voz Program. This initiative focuses on reducing discriminatory practices, particularly in mobile home communities, by providing technical assistance and empowering residents to become leaders within their own communities. Today, over twelve residents and leaders of Mi Voz from local mobile home communities have created the Mobile Home Resident Council to continue addressing crucial issues that affect this form of affordable housing such as water quality, neighborhood safety, and food security, among others.
As a family resource center and resilience hub, La Familia has been highly responsive to the needs of our community. In the field of early childhood education, we have played a vital role in supporting babies, children, families, and teachers with services that promote mental health and positive development. This year, our childcare program, El Nidito, achieved a Colorado Shines Level 5 certification, the highest quality rating awarded by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. This certification affirms our commitment to providing exceptional early care and education!
The Family Center/La Familia is much more than an early care and education center; it offers a wide range of services to support local families. From the diaper closet and the infant car seat safety program to parenting support and case management, our team excels at engaging with families and building positive relationships. As a personal note “La Familia” has always been close to my heart. Fourteen years ago, the center provided a place at El Nidito for my newborn Sofia, which allowed me to continue my professional development. Now, as the Executive Director, I deeply understand the challenges families face in securing reliable childcare; and I will continue to advocate for a sustainable, equitable, and inclusive system to lay the foundation for a thriving community.
Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our Social Work Intern, Antonella Torres, for her invaluable contribution in conducting relevant historical research.
To learn more about The Family Center/La Familia visit https://thefamilycenterfc.org/
