Dear Friends,
When we walked through the doors of Pike Market Child Care & Preschool for the first time, we could not have known how much of our lives this place would come to hold. We wanted to share our stories in the hope that they inspire you to support this special community, just as it has supported our families.
Kiarra’s Story
Board President
For more than ten years, I’ve been part of PMCCP as a board member and parent. My daughter Saniya (class of 2019) and son Quincy (class of 2025) grew into well-rounded, justice-minded kids in large part because of this program. As Black children in a predominantly white city, they had a safe space to explore their identities. That safety came from their teachers who truly knew them. When Quincy needed extra support, Lesa and the teaching staff helped me set up speech therapy and get him to his weekly lessons. When I felt scared for my child, they showed up for the hard work alongside me.
Ashley’s Story
Board Secretary
I first came to PMCCP as a social work student, then joined the board in 2017. By the time my son Nico (class of 2026) arrived, I knew this was the perfect place for him. My husband and I marveled at his firsts: making friends, trying new foods, putting on his shoes by himself. This year, we got to watch Nico and his fellow PMCCP grads start kindergarten with such courage and kindness, making it clear what they learned from PMCCP: how to be a good friend, love who they are, and delight in the world around them.
At PMCCP, every day holds a first. Our children made their first friends here and learned what it means to belong to a community. And what a special community this is, thanks to teachers who know every child deeply and families who are always there to remind us we’re never alone.
As we celebrate a season of firsts, we hope you will mark one of your own: a first gift to PMCCP, or a first step toward monthly giving. Your generosity makes high-quality early learning possible for every child, and helps families stay enrolled through hardship such as job loss, grief, and other emergencies.
We feel deeply grateful for PMCCP, for supporters like you, and for the families just now walking through the doors for the first time.
Here’s to the firsts,
Kiarra & Ashley
P.S. Give now to double your impact! Our partners at MoxiWorks will match the first $7,000 raised, dollar for dollar. Thank you for your generosity!