Amelia's Story

Amelia is a single mother raising her one year old daughter Bria after fleeing an abusive and unsafe home situation. Without housing, Amelia and Bria moved constantly from one location to another just to keep a roof over their heads at night. Child Care Resources’ Homeless Child Care Program was Amelia’s first formal introduction to Washington State’s child care subsidy and other supportive services in King County. Amelia received child care subsidy from CCR that enabled her to place Bria in a high quality licensed family child care program right away. In addition to connecting Amelia to quality child care, CCR staff supported Amelia through intensive service coordination, such as navigating housing options, including emergency shelter programs.

Together, CCR and shelter staff coordinated efforts to support and meet Amelia and Bria’s needs, and empowered Amelia to apply for transitional housing with a confidential domestic violence program. With CCR’s advocacy and support, Amelia and her daughter secured acceptance into the program where they now live and can call home. With stable and secure housing, Amelia was able to find work easily, and with guidance and encouragement from CCR staff, she was approved for a 12-month public child care subsidy from Working Connections Child Care.

When some medical challenges, including being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, resulted in Amelia missing some work, CCR helped her cover her child care copayments, and provided bus tickets and diapers so that Bria could remain in a stable child care environment. The friendship and support Amelia receives from her child care provider, and the guidance and support she receives from CCR help her feel connected to others who also care about the happiness, future success, and wellbeing of Bria.