Zoe Meyers is a college student and a single mother to her three-year-old son, Mari. After facing unexpected family challenges, she sought stability for herself and her child. With guidance from a family member, Zoe connected with BrightSpark, which provided resources to support her parenting journey. Initially nervous, Zoe received assistance with essential needs such as gas cards, diapers, and formula. BrightSpark helped her apply for the Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) program, which covers child care costs, and the Early Head Start (EHS) program, which offers additional family support, including health screenings and help with securing housing.

Mari, who entered EHS at six months, is now thriving in a trusted environment. Zoe appreciates the strong relationship Mari has with his provider, calling them family. She feels confident in his readiness for school, thanks to the communication and support from his daycare teachers. With child care costs covered, Zoe is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and exploring job opportunities. She encourages others to reach out to BrightSpark for available programs, emphasizing the importance of support for parents facing challenges.