Marisela came from the Dominican Republic to the United States ready for a fresh start. She had worked as a practicing lawyer n her native country, but her passion was working with children. After moving to York, she began babysitting. But her dream was much bigger.
She wanted to open an in-home child care program. Not fluent in English, Marisela was excited to learn that the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center, which works to increase equity and opportunity for small businesses in York County, offered courses in English and Spanish.
A vision with a long checklist
With her dream pushing her forward, Marisela registered for the course “Financial Management: The ABCs of 123s,” in 2023 which focused on the fundamentals of operating a small business. While studying the ins and outs of owning a home child care program, Marisela learned about the BLOOM ECHO Start-Up Grant, which helps recipients get early childhood education programs up and running.
To transform her home into a Department of Human Services (DHS) licensed group child care program, Marisela had some work to do. The house needed a security system inside and outside. There were ceilings to repair, doors to replace, and a sunroom to convert into a classroom.
The home had a large backyard with a pool, which was wonderful for the family but not a good fit for a child care program.
Hope becomes reality
In response to Marisela’s vision of providing high quality education and care for children aged 6-weeks to five years, BLOOM and ECHO, the Every Child Has Opportunities early childhood education initiative, awarded her $20,000 toward the launch of her child care program.
“It’s wonderful to see how the dollars and these other organizations come together to really make people’s dreams come true,” says Yamily Applewhite, Provider Specialist for Community Connections for Children, which provides high-quality early learning and educational solutions.
Marisela and her husband immediately got to work installing a tall vinyl fence around half of the backyard and completing numerous upgrades in the house. The grant also covered the cost of a work computer and learning and experiential play materials for the children in her care, including art supplies, gross motor toys, and indoor sensory items.
The couple stretched every dollar, and within a few months they were ready for their DHS Certification inspection.
A desire to help others
“She is so dedicated,” says BLOOM Executive Director Sully Pinos. “She came to this country with her family and really committed to helping others and helping to address a need. What better way than offering high quality education and care for families’ young ones in a safe and well-equipped space”
Since the first round of BLOOM ECHO Start-Up Grants in early 2024, the estimated number of new children in high quality early learning programs here in York County is over 360 as a result of this program. tWith the third round of funding about to start, Sully is excited for that number to grow. These latest funds will provide low-interest forgivable loans to home and center-based early learning programs.
With the DHS Certification process nearly complete, Marisela looks forward not only to expanding the number of children she can serve from three to 12 but creating jobs for her community.
“I want to be able to help others,” she says. “I’m thankful to BLOOM and ECHO for this program and I hope that they continue to help more people achieve their dreams and move forward.”
Every Child Has Opportunities is an early childhood education initiative in York County, Pennsylvania, led by Community Connections for Children and the York County Economic Alliance. Major funding partners include J. William Warehime Foundation, Powder Mill Foundation, and WellSpan Health. Additional funding partners include Kinsley Foundation, United Way of York County, and York County Community Foundation.