The Partnerships We’ve Made in the Community: A Series of 5
A Hub for Families
As parents ourselves, we are passionate about serving families. We know how hard it is to parent. We know how hard it is to make ends meet. We know how hard it is to fit into society. And we know how hard it is to ask for and find help.
That’s why we’re so excited to be a local hub for families– we’re the place where they can learn about all the various local resources. Our community is great in that it does have a lot of resources, but finding the specific one you need can be confusing and difficult.
“I was faced with one closed door after another…”
We love that we bring people together from all walks of life with the common goal of serving our local children. As a mom to a newborn and a toddler during the pandemic, there were times when I thought I was literally going crazy. The lack of sleep, overstimulation from a boisterous toddler and screaming infant, and isolation wore me down. There were many times I wished that there was a place–any place I could go where I could take my kids for just a few hours–just so I could catch my breath...but childcare is already so difficult to find in our rural area, let alone being able to afford it.
I had never qualified for services in my life and had no clue how to find any. I had no clue whether I’d be welcomed or not given my income (at least our income on record–being self employed looks glamorous, but the reality is you work longer and harder for less pay. Still, on paper it looks like you make a lot.) When I did reach out for help, I was faced with one closed door after another. Nevertheless, I was determined to make it out of the dark pit I was in so that I could one day mend that service gap in our rural region. I didn't know how, but I was determined to do it. I didn't want any other exhausted mom (or any caregiver) to feel as alone and unwelcome as I did.
My Hope for the Future
Today, Mendo LEAP has become a gathering place for caregivers from all walks of life. We love seeing our regulars come by for their weekly playdates with friends. The littles get to explore and play alongside a friend while the adults get to sit on the cozy furniture and get some much needed “grownup time”. We’ve also connected with dozens of families through our contract with Redwood Coast Regional Center, and love being that connection point for all of these different families in Mendocino.
My hope for the future is that we can grow to become a reliable, high quality, hourly drop off care center so that anyone–no matter your income level–can drop off their little ones whenever they need a “break”.
