My Children attended the day care located at WCCC in Calais. I can not say enough about the staff there. They are truly amazing people! I have 2 boys currently enrolled. Both boys are so different from each other. The day care goes above and beyond with their individualized care to each of them… I know that I could go to school and work with out them but they make it so much easier. I haven’t always been an easy parent to deal with and I can’t thank them enough for their patience with me and my kids… Thanks again Marcia, Mindy, Ali, Katie, Bekah, Nancy, Kim, Debbie, Serena, and all the amazing Subs.
-Tracy Berry, Parent, 4/23/2012
Today I truly received a very special gift. I was presented a Golden clock for my 35 years of services. Today I have been blessed with so many heartfelt stories of what my love for children and families have meant to others. I feel so blessed to have learned from so many people. The many people that I feel support me and have respect for me. I would like to say Thank you C.F.O. for the 35 years. These years have truly allowed me and my family to thrive.
-Linda Shepard, 3/30/2012
Dear Child and Family Opportunities,
20 years ago I was a stay home mom with two little ones and one on the way. My oldest son Dean was extremely shy and I was very worried about how he would do once enrolled in Kindergarten. I looked into the Moose-a-bec Head Start program in Jonesport where he soon became a student. I strongly believe my son, who would hide behind my leg whenever we went anywhere, would not have accomplished the things he has in his life if he had not had that Head Start beginning that gave him support, encouragement, socialization and acceptance.
The other part of my story is – my son’s shyness came from me. I was also very shy and I let this stop me from doing many things in my life. I wanted more for my son and that is why I enrolled him in the Head Start program, but never realized how personally I would also be affected by this decision. My life was changed in such a wonderful way that I believe I am the person I am today because of the support I received and the encouragement to step out of the box and further my education and to someday become the teacher I wanted so badly to be.
I started out as a mom in the parent group, then I volunteered to help on field trips and before I knew it I was helping out in the classroom. I then started to sub and moved on to become a one-on-one aide. From there I applied for the Food Service Tech position which I did for many years. After my youngest son entered his senior year, I thought it was time to do what I had dreamed about for so long, so, with the help and encouragement of my husband and staff members I decided to apply for the Infant/Toddler caregiver position in Machias. It was the best decision I could have ever made. I love my job and look forward every morning to getting up and going to work (how many people can say that!) Head Start has helped me grow as a person and reach goals I never thought possible.
Thank You!
-Cathy Faulkingham
Cathy Faulkingham and fellow CFO staff attending NEHS Conference 2011
One thing stands out about my time at CFO and that was when I was diagnosed with cancer. I will never forget all the support I received from everyone while going through treatment. I have never worked with so many great individuals as I have in the last 7 years at CFO. I truly am appreciative of all the wonderful people I have met here.
-Larry Norton
Just want to say….as I relocated to the Machias area I felt so fortunate to find an agency that offered Head Start as I had worked for Head Start for the past 20 years. One day I was given Marcia Rogers phone number and we talked for 20 minutes about CFO and our Head Start experiences. Marcia directed me to call Ellsworth…
Thank-you Marcia!
-Diane Oyler
It has been my pleasure to be working for an agency that really is concerned that children get the best CFO can give. That includes the best care givers, the best administration, the best directing and the best resources CFO can give.
-Judy Nevells
I started as a Head Start parent in 1982 in Bucksport and it totally changed my life! I discovered how much I loved being with children and watching them grow. I spent many hours at the center and loved my relationships with the family advocate and my children’s teachers. (Cheryl Flanders was my son’s teacher) By the time that my second child finished head start I felt very validated and empowered as a parent. I also knew that I wanted to pursue a career in early childhood education. I had spent many hours as a volunteer and a substitute and was very excited when Action Opportunities hired me in 1988 as a preschool teacher. I worked in Bucksport for eleven years and left the agency in 1999 to pursue a job with more pay. I worked at MBNA for four years as a bill collector and became a high paid but totally unfulfilled bill collector. I came back to the Child and Family Opportunities in 2003 and have no plans of leaving again. I feel honored to work with children and families and feel completely fulfilled with my profession.
-Karen Bowden
The irony of my board membership is that friends enlisted me to speak with Action Opportunities’ Exec. Dir. in the early 80′s to include a childcare component to their Head Start programs. We were successful.
I was the only one of the group of about 8 who did not plan to take advantage of the new childcare as my own children were in home care situations.
Over the years the greatest impression being a board member has left on me is of the empowerment Head Start has given so many parents: on policy council, board of directors, local and regional conferences, and even our state legislature. Several have discovered their writing skills, others their ability to address an audience.
Most recently, my two grandchildren were/are enrolled in the Early Head Start Program in Ellsworth. The program has benefitted both of them socially, and to some extent academically. I am always eager to hear from their parents the most recent ages and stages reports.
-Elizabeth Ehrlenbach
On April 7th, 2011, representatives from Head Start programs throughout Maine visited the State Legislators in Augusta to share their stories about the positive difference Head Start programs make in the lives of families, and to learn about government and ways to participate in legislative process as citizens. Participants were recognized in the Senate and House of Representatives, and had opportunities to meet with Legislators. The following speech is Maine State Representative Walter Kumiega’s address to the Head Start Goes to Augusta attendees.
“Good morning, glad you could come. I have a question for the group, but I have a quick story for you first.
14 years ago State Senator Marge Kilkelly spoke to a group of Head Start parents here in Augusta. Senator Kilkelly was a perfect choice to address the group since she is herself a former Head Start parent. The parents toured the building, attended the legislative session and some public hearings then went home and went on with their lives. One parent went on to serve as Chair of Policy Council, and Liason to the Board of Directors of what was at the time Action Opportunities. After leaving the Policy Council, he became a regular Board member and for a time Chair of that group. Then he got the bright idea to run for School Committee and lost. A year later he discovered the benefits of running unopposed, and won a seat and then was reelected 3 times. Now he finds himself in Augusta talking to a group of Head Start parents.Which brings me back to my question. Which one of you will be up here 10-15 years from now returning the favor?
You don’t have to answer now, I can give you a few years to think about it. In the meantime, you have a great opportunity and I urge you to take advantage of it. Head Start is a great program for kids and parents. You can learn things in this program that will change your life and help you change the lives of people around you. If you care enough about your community to take a day and come to Augusta, then you care enough to make a difference. Every community has boards and subcommittees and advisory groups, and they need people. And there are groups out there that will help you learn leadership skills like Women Work and Community and Maine Development Foundation. Find your voice, and then use it!”-Walter Kumiega
Working for Head Start has taught me how to advocate first for my own children during their school years and second to share that knowledge with families. It is a great program and beginning for all children. Working into the school system has been a challenge but a rewarding one. It is a great place to grow.
-Victoria Burtchell
I was a parent in the opening year of the Moose-a-bec center opening in 1984 in Jonesport. My son was very shy and did not want me to leave him there and me not wanting him to be upset I spent most of his time there. With me staying with him I also learned about child development and became a staff member in 1989 and have worked in many different jobs in the agency.
Many of the people I have learned from have moved on Judy Mason, Elaine Cale, Pearl, Julie Knoyes to name a few. The many people that I still learn and respect today as teachers, friends and still work with today I would like to say thank you for your support, friendship and love through the years.
My one story that sticks in my mind is of my grandson a second generation Head Start child, who was very interested in his teacher Miss Bobbie having a baby. He had asked many questions throughout the nine months but the funniest question was “Miss Bobbie, why did you eat that baby anyway?” Chad truly loved and received so much from Head Start, when I went by the old center the other day he made the comment, “I get sad that kids don’t go there anymore it was my first and best school”.
-Rebecca Libby
What’s Your Story?
Thank you to all who have submitted stories, they are great!