Through C2C, I discovered that I am an empowered woman capable of doing incredible things. I have built strong bonds with the community and we have worked together to support each other and change lives.

- Diana, Parent Leader

Before, I used to suffer from depression and wasn’t very social. Then I was invited to a C2C parent meeting and the others nominated me to be a parent leader. That day changed my life. The other moms cheered me on, and made me realize that I am a strong woman and a leader who is willing to work with others to build a beautiful community.

- Angelica, Parent Leader

I feel fortunate and happy to be part of a group of strong mothers and warriors who fight day after day for a better future for our children. My daughter told me one day that she’s noticed a big change in me when I talk to her and her brothers. She said that I’m more sure of myself, and I push them to fight for their dreams. Then she said that she feels lucky to have me as her mom because I work hard to make sure they have opportunities and she wants to help.

- Reyna, Parent Leader

Being part of a community with parents just like me -- with the same fears and barriers, but also the same desire and hope of creating a thriving future for our kids -- is deeply fulfilling. As part of C2C, I learned that my opinion matters, my ideas are heard, and not only that, but the leaders give us the freedom to express ourselves in our own language -- treating us with inclusion and respect.

- Yadira, Parent Leader

Working with families in C2C is one of the most rewarding things I do. The voices of parents inform positive and impactful decisions for our community. The trust we have built with them defines this unique initiative — I cried with parents when they described ICE raids in our neighborhood; our Family Engagement Coordinator shared that parents were unable to provide dinner to their family after losing work during COVID, again I cried! But I was also moved to organize additional support, working with teachers to pack and hand out grocery bags to families. The empowerment to "do something positive" drives this initiative at the grass-root and organizational level — C2C gets things done!

- Melanie Sluggett, Live Oak Director of Child Development

Since the inception of this action-oriented organization, parents have become empowered to share their voice safely in the knowledge that they are both seen and heard. Parents participating in Cradle to Career are now taking leadership roles at our school site, including becoming officers in our English Language Advisory Council (ELAC), as well as furthering their own knowledge around how to better support the education of their children.

- Marilyn Rockey, Del Mar Elementary Principal

I love my C2C family. While C2C does not provide services, it is the bridge that leads us to the path to obtain services. It is support for the entire community and families in general based on our 4 pillars: good health, good character, good education, and community strength. It gives us the necessary tools to keep our families healthy, happy, and resilient in these uncertain times. I am proud to belong to the C2C family because I can be the spokesperson for many families in our community. It has taught me to use my voice, my story, and has taught me to grow and believe in myself - knowing that one sets one's own limits. We are the captains of our own ships and we guide it with love and full of values. ​​I remember hearing from my father, “if you raise a family without values ​​you have nothing a millionaire, but instead if you raise a family with values ​​you give more than everything the gold of the world”. My family loves C2C because we have had moral support in very difficult times and we also received resources such as gift cards and we have also participated in all activities such as Folklorico, soccer, and Walking for Wellness. Thanks for your support of my family and all the families of Live Oak.

- Julissa Silva, Del Mar Parent Coordinator

C2C has made meaningful contributions to our school culture and directly impacted the lives of many families. As the current crisis unfolded C2C worked with us to outreach families and provide invaluable support to families in need.

- Greg Stein, Live Oak Elementary Principal