5.01.2025
Angela, a mother of two, Iker (4) and Angela Emily (18 months), has found her calling as an advocate for early childhood education and family leadership through her involvement with First 5 Nevada’s Family Leadership Council. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of community resources and parent leadership.
Angela joined the Family Leadership Council over a year ago and credits the program with providing resources vital to her family's well-being. From early childhood education support to health and nutrition resources, the Family Leadership Council has empowered Angela to pursue opportunities that benefit her children and herself, including advancing her education and language skills.
"The first five years are crucial," Angela shared, "They shape a child's future. This program has motivated me and my family to find resources that support their health, nutrition, and education."
Angela’s commitment to leadership began at a workshop, where she learned about First 5 Nevada’s initiatives. Inspired by the vision of empowering families, she and her sister decided to join First 5 Nevada’s Family Leadership Council. Since then, Angela has embraced her role as a parent leader—advocating for families, sharing her experiences, and learning from other parents.
She believes that parent leadership plays a pivotal role in children’s development: "Children imitate what their parents do. If we, as parents, lack the confidence to speak or participate, it becomes harder for children to excel. It's vital for us to motivate them to share their opinions and engage with others."
Angela’s participation in the council has not only enriched her family’s life but also extended to her involvement in her children’s school council. Through advocacy and collaboration, she continues to inspire families to access resources and embrace leadership roles.
For Angela, the Family Leadership Council is more than a support group—it’s a space for mutual learning and growth. "Joining this group has been transformative. We share experiences, learn from one another, and discover ways to improve our parenting. It’s about coming together to help our children thrive."
Stable housing is a critical foundation for a child’s healthy development. Recognizing this, First 5 Nevada has added housing programs and resources designed to support families at every stage - whether they are seeking emergency assistance, long-term housing solutions or general guidance.
All families are different, in terms of composition and needs, but one thing that we have in common is that all families could use a little help. With that in mind, the Nevada Department of Education has designed a series of tools to benefit families with different needs.
At First 5 Nevada, we believe supporting moms, dads and caregivers during the early years helps children grow strong, safe and healthy. This month, we honor all moms and caregivers and share tools and support to help families feel less alone.