Meet Our 2024 NYC Marathon Runners

As we gear up for the 2024 New York City Marathon, we’re excited to introduce the amazing team of runners from the Cultural Care Au Pair community. They are representing and fundraising for Cultural Care Kids First Foundation as they train and run the marathon on November 3, 2024. Each year, we’re proud to have a dedicated group of individuals take on this challenge, with each person bringing their own motivation. Together, they embody the dedication and determination it takes to complete one of the world’s most famous races. Learn more about this year's runners: 

Amina, Cultural Care Staff Member 

• Running in support of Kids First because: I run for Kids First because it allows me to do something I love while making a difference for what matters most to me—helping where it's needed the most.

• Advice to runners: Just sign up for that race!

• Running mantra: The faster I run, the sooner I’m done.

• Favorite running music: Worship music

• Go to cross-training: Strength training 

• Snack of choice: Natural gels with honey and sea salt

• Learned through this journey: I can run much further and longer than I thought. It’s all in your head.

B.G., Host Dad 

• Running in support of Kids First because: Cultural Care supports families and kids all around the world in many, many ways. The Kids First Foundation is just another way that Cultural Care carries out their mission of making the lives of children better globally, something I could not be more honored to help support and bring attention to. 

• Advice to runners: You don’t have to run hard to get better, just run long, but easy!

• Running mantra: Where else would you rather be?! 

• Favorite running music: Soft EDM 

• Go to cross-training: HIIT workouts and squash 

• Snack of choice: Gu Gel and Nuun!

• Learned through this journey: I’ve learned to enjoy the process of training through long, easy runs. There’s a cathartic side to it I didn’t expect.

Blythe, Host Mom 

• Running in support of Kids First because: I'm excited to run in support of Kids First as I have experienced firsthand how Cultural Care supports, nurtures, and guides au pairs and host families through their respective journeys. I trust a charitable organization managed by Cultural Care will apply the same diligence to their fundraising and grant recipient selections.

• Advice to runners: Believe in the warmup. Mile two is always easier than mile one.

• Running mantra: Let’s go!

• Favorite running music: Bob Seger’s Still the Same 

• Go to cross-training: Biking 

• Snack of choice: Butter and jam on a roll

• Learned through this journey: I might beat my time from 18 years ago!

Caroline, Au Pair 

• Running in support of Kids First because: I wish to run for this association to help children dream. If I can run the marathon, it will prove to them that they can do whatever they want in life!

• Advice to runners: Trust yourself. If you think you can do it, you can!

• Running mantra: Trust the process.

• Favorite running music: Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour 

• Snack of choice: Energy waffles

• Learned through this journey: I can actually do it if I want to.

Chavón, Au Pair 

• Running in support of Kids First because: Running the NYC Marathon with Cultural Care and Kids First intertwines my strides with purpose, weaving dreams into reality for children's education and nurturing. Every step echoes hope and transformation on New York City's streets.

• Advice to runners: Focus on yourself and don’t compare yourself to other runners. 

• Running mantra: Just keep running, running, running…(Inspired by Finding Nemo) 

• Favorite running music: Christian podcasts 

• Snack of choice: Goop

• Learned through this journey: You can do anything!

Jeanne, Au Pair 

• Running in support of Kids First because: I'm running to support Kids First because I believe in the cause. I want to be an example of bravery and belief for the children, showing them that they can overcome any challenge.

• Advice to runners: Never give up!

• Running mantra: Every step taken is a victory.

• Favorite running music: Anything that gives energy 

• Snack of choice: Energy gel

• Learned through this journey: Even after a long workday, I still find energy to run.

Kerrin, Cultural Care Staff Member 

• Running in support of Kids First because: I'm thrilled to be running my first marathon with Kids First, having witnessed the foundation’s global impact on children in need. As part of the Cultural Care family, I’m so excited to contribute to this amazing cause!

• Advice to runners: Take it one step at a time and remember why you're doing this.

• Running mantra: You can do this.

• Go to cross-training: Spin classes 

• Snack of choice: Huma chai energy gels for a boost on long runs

• Learned through this journey: So many challenges are mental. With a positive attitude, you can achieve more than you ever thought possible.

Laura, Cultural Care Staff Member 

• Running in support of Kids First because: I've always loved having challenges because it makes you grow! Running the marathon is a personal challenge, but also running in support of Kids First is a great opportunity to make an impact for kids in need. Just giving a few hours of my time and effort makes me embrace that challenge with a smile!

• Advice to runners: Enjoy your runs and train!

• Running mantra: You are amazing! You’re an example, I’m so proud of you.

• Favorite running music: Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour 

• Go to cross-training: Fitness exercises

• Learned through this journey: I used to hate running, but now, nothing is impossible! I told myself I would never run—look at me now.

Miriam, Local Childcare Consultant 

• Running in support of Kids First because: Kids First motivated me to run for a purpose to help kids in need. Last year, they built a garden [at an orphanage for abandoned kids] in Mexico, and that inspired me to help the children of my country!

• Advice to runners: Enjoy every mile.

• Running mantra: 3 songs, 1 mile! Enjoy.

• Favorite running music: I Gotta Feeling 

• Go to cross-training: Orangetheory 

• Snack of choice: Water

• Learned through this journey: I can do my best every day.

Sam, Host Dad 

• Running in support of Kids First because: I am very excited to run the NYC marathon as I have qualified for the Boston Marathon, a longstanding goal. In addition to this opportunity, I am thrilled to further the Kids First goals through this fundraising venture.

• Advice to runners: Run the mile you’re in—focus on the moment, not the race. 

• Running mantra: You got this.

• Favorite running music: Don’t Stop Believin’ 

• Go to cross-training: Swimming 

• Snack of choice: Cliff bar

• Learned through this journey: Age really does catch up to you.

Saskia, Au Pair  

• Running in support of Kids First because: Running in support of Kids First gives me the opportunity to support children in need while ticking off a major bucket list item. Every mile I run supports a child in need, and that's an incredible feeling.

• Advice to runners: The first two miles are the hardest. A positive attitude is key.

• Running mantra: You can do difficult things.

• Favorite running music: Up by Forrest Frank 

• Snack of choice: Beef chomps

• Learned through this journey: I’m better at running faster than long distances, but I’m improving every week.

Each runner’s journey is unique, but together they share a commitment to helping children through Kids First. Every mile they run makes a difference, bringing them closer to their personal goals and supporting children in need around the world. We can’t wait to cheer them on! 

Feeding Kids in Colombia

We’re proud to feature two new grant recipients—Fundación Alimentar Colombia and Compassion Kitchens—who are making a significant impact on childhood malnutrition and food insecurity. These organizations are making a tangible difference in the lives of children in need through their commitment to providing daily food kitchens in their communities. 

Fundación Alimentar Colombia 

Fundación Alimentar Colombia is dedicated to reducing childhood malnutrition through their communal kitchens program. They currently operate five kitchens in Cartagena, serving over 1,600 children daily with hot, nutritious meals prepared from surplus food recovered from local markets and restaurants. These kitchens are supported by their central hub kitchen that turns the recovered food into delicious meals for the children. 

They employ a unique model where children from these communities, who live in makeshift housing without municipal services like running water or electricity, contribute to the kitchen by collecting and bringing trash to the kitchen. This helps manage waste removal, as there is no regular trash collection in the communities where these kitchens operate. The approach emphasizes teaching children responsibility and community values, including waiting patiently, bringing clean food containers, and treating each other with kindness and respect. 

The project 

We are funding a project that aims to enhance their hub kitchen facility by upgrading the kitchen infrastructure to meet food safety standards and creating additional storage space. It also involves acquiring modern cooking equipment to increase efficiency and capacity. Currently at their limit for the number of children they can support, these enhancements will allow the kitchens to extend their services to an additional 1,000 children living in extreme poverty, advancing their mission to provide essential nourishment. 

Compassion Kitchens 

Compassion Kitchens focuses on addressing food insecurity among children by supporting community-based kitchens across Colombia. They provide vital assistance by secures funding for eight local kitchens to ensure they have a reliable supply of food to serve. With a 100% volunteer-driven model, Compassion Kitchens ensures that donations directly fund food purchases. 

The project 

The initiative supports the kitchen Comedor Pan y Vida, located in a homeless encampment in Bogotá, and Comedor Infantil "Campo De La Cruz," situated in one of Atlántico’s most impoverished areas. This project will sustain food purchases for both kitchens for the next year, feeding approximately 200 children daily. These kitchens are crucial for providing meals to children living in challenging environments. 

Impacting 2,800 children daily 

Supporting projects that address essential physiological needs, such as nutrition, is crucial for children’s growth and well-being. By funding these two initiatives, Kids First is making a significant impact, helping a total of 2,800 children receive a meal every weekday in Colombia. This support not only provides essential nourishment but also contributes to their overall development and quality of life, creating a healthier and brighter future. 

Making two foster houses feel like home

We are pleased to share another grant project we are supporting, highlighting the impactful work of the Santa Fé Beneficent Association (Santa Fé). For over 30 years, Santa Fé has been a cornerstone of social justice in Brazil, dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and adolescents. Their mission focuses on upholding the Child and Adolescent Statute (Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente, ECA), combating violence, and breaking cycles of poverty to ensure every child’s development and autonomy.

The ECA is a comprehensive legal framework in Brazil that guarantees a wide range of rights for children and adolescents, including protection from abuse and neglect, and access to education and health services. It emphasizes the role of family and community in supporting children’s development and outlines the state's responsibilities in providing protective measures and services.

Santa Fé operates across four key areas: managing residential care centers for children aged 0-18, supporting infants through volunteer family homes, offering aftercare for those who have left shelters, and assisting families to promote sustainable reunification. Their holistic approach addresses the needs of children affected by neglect and abuse, aiming for long-term positive change.

The project

With funding from the Cultural Care Kids First Foundation, Santa Fé will enhance its two residential care centers by acquiring freezers, refrigerators, and new furniture, as well as by building a library. Additionally, the Cultural Care office in São Paulo is hosting a book drive to collect Portuguese books from staff and former and future au pairs to fill the library. These improvements will help create a more supportive and homelike environment for the children they serve, fostering resilience and well-being. 

Establishing a Dental Clinic

We are excited to announce our new project and grant recipient, Global Dental Relief (GDR). With GDR, we are supporting the establishment of a new dental clinic in the remote village of Chan Chen, Mexico. GDR, headquartered in Colorado, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free dental care and oral health education to children worldwide. Operating within the United States and internationally, GDR provides complete dental care to over 20,000 children each year! 

The project 

The remote village of Chan Chen is located over 75 miles away from any dental care options for its community, making it a full day's journey to access care. Even when accessible, families often struggle to afford dental services, leaving children to grow up without proper care. Recognizing this need, GDR will initiate the opening of a dental clinic this October to provide free, first-time dental care and oral health education to 1,400 children living in the Mayan Jungle. 

Volunteer dentists, hygienists, and non-dental volunteers will work for 10 days, offering examinations, cleanings, restorations, and extractions as needed for children visiting the clinic. Each child will receive a complimentary toothbrush and fluoride application, with follow-up care provided 3 to 4 times throughout the clinic until dental health is restored. 

GDR ensures continuity of care by returning every 12-18 months, bridging the gap in dental services for the community. Throughout the clinic, three sessions of extensive oral health education are provided, focusing on brushing techniques and proper nutrition. The aim is to instill lifelong habits for healthier smiles for years to come! 

Volunteering at Denver Au Pair Life 

At our Au Pair Life event in Denver this April, staff from GDR joined au pairs and Cultural Care staff to bundle toothbrushes for upcoming international dental clinics, totaling 3,900 toothbrushes—enough to supply four international dental clinics! 

Additionally, a toothbrush donation drive was hosted, inviting all attendees to bring a toothbrush to donate to GDR, ensuring each child receives a free toothbrush. Nearly 250 toothbrushes were collected! 

In partnership with Global Dental Relief and the incredible support from volunteers and donors, we're thrilled this grant will take a significant step towards improving oral health access in Chan Chen, Mexico. With the establishment of the new dental clinic, we're laying the groundwork for brighter smiles and healthier futures for the children of the Mayan Jungle!  

Molo Mhlaba School Completed, Additional Grant Awarded

We are thrilled to announce that, after months of construction, storm repairs, and a tremendous amount of hard work, the exterior of the Molo Mhlaba Montclair campus classrooms were successfully completed in late fall 2023. The milestone was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, signifying the official conclusion of this phase of the school's construction and the successful fulfillment of our $50,000 grant to build the classrooms. With this phase now completed, the next critical step is to furnish the classrooms. 

Our community is deeply connected to the positive impact of this school and has expressed a strong desire to continue supporting Molo Mhlaba in its mission to welcome students. In recognition of our commitment, Kids First awarded Molo Mhlaba an additional grant to cover the costs of furnishing the classrooms and providing Montessori classroom learning materials. 

The Cultural Care Au Pair offices spread love to Montclair, South Africa by hosting a Valentine’s Day fundraiser. During the week of Valentine’s Day, we sold candy-grams – Valentine cards containing a sweet note and some chocolate – across offices in Austin, Boston, Denver, and Zurich. Simultaneously, our Berlin office hosted their version of this fundraiser through a waffle sale. We successfully reached our collective goal of raising $2,500! Cultural Care Au Pair matched this amount, contributing to the full $5,000 grant. 

We are grateful for the success of this sweet fundraiser as it enables the provision of classroom materials that will enhance the learning environment for the girls. Join us in spreading the love! Consider donating to Kids First today.  

Learn more about the project on our YouTube channel: Helping Under-Privileged Girls Gain Quality Education.

New year, new creative ways to give back

As we find ourselves several weeks into the New Year, we hope your journey toward achieving any resolutions has started strong. If one of your resolutions involves giving back more, Kids First offers numerous avenues for you to make a meaningful impact. Consider various ways to give back, such as donating, getting involved, or thinking outside the box for ways to make an impact. 

In the spirit of creative generosity, Amy Glenane, a friend of Cultural Care, took a different approach to her 50th birthday celebration. Instead of hosting a big birthday party, she sent $50 to 50 people, including friends like Cultural Care staff member Amy Connolly, and invited them to use that money for an act of kindness. The possibilities were endless—whether it was covering a stranger's meal in a drive-thru or contributing to a cause they cared about. It showcased that acts of kindness can take on various forms. 

Amy Connolly, inspired by this gesture, not only used her $50 to contribute to the Cultural Care Kids First Foundation but also added a personal donation of $50. Cultural Care matched both contributions 100%, resulting in a total combined donation of $200. 

This story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to celebrate significant moments in ways that bring joy not only to themselves but also to the entire community. Amy's story, along with the generosity of her friends, encourages us to consider others when we mark big moments in our lives. 

If you're seeking ideas, here are three ways for you to contribute and double your impact: 

Opt for Donations Instead of Birthday Gifts:  

Choose to support a cause on your special day! With Evite, you can suggest a charity to your guests in lieu of traditional gifts. When creating your invitation, click on “Gifting,” select “Support your school or charity,” and input “Cultural Care Kids First Foundation.” Any contributions will directly benefit Kids First! 

Organize a Restaurant Night with Friends:  

Collaborate with a local restaurant and request them to contribute a percentage of all orders to Kids First. Once the event is over, they can mail us a check, turning a delightful evening into support for a great cause! 

Turn Spring Cleaning into a Fundraiser:  

Prepare for your spring cleaning by hosting a yard sale! Extend invitations to your neighbors, emphasizing that all proceeds will be donated to Kids First. 

We hope these ideas inspire you to approach giving back differently in 2024. For any questions on how to host a fundraiser or get involved, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]! 

Building an Urban Garden for Abandoned Teens

Casa Alianza Mexico has a 35-year legacy of supporting children and teenagers between the ages of 12 and 18 who have experienced social abandonment. These resilient individuals have encountered issues like human trafficking, abandonment, sexual exploitation, and addiction. The organization’s mission is to actively contribute to the protection and well-being of these young people, facilitating their integration into society in a functional and self-sufficient manner.

Cultural Care Kids First Foundation was asked to fund the construction of an urban garden at Casa Alianza in Mexico City from start to finish, a project that captured the enthusiasm of its teenagers. They eagerly anticipated its completion, as it now provides them with a dedicated space where they can not only participate in cultivating and caring for the garden but also use it as a quiet space to connect with nature and themselves—a sanctuary that truly belongs to them.

During Cultural Care Au Pair’s National Meeting in Orlando, Florida, held for its Local Childcare Consultants, we fundraised and successfully met our goal of $8,000 to support the construction of the urban garden. Cultural Care Au Pair has matched the $8,000, contributing a total of $16,000 to this initiative. The urban garden is expected to have a long-term impact on the teens.

The garden now has an abundant harvest the teens continue to nurture, with various fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, broccoli, and arugula. Listen to Laura Teuffer from Casa Alianza share more about the project on our YouTube channel: Cultural Care Kids First & Casa Alianza

Help us continue to bring projects that have a positive impact on the lives of children to life with a donation. If you’d like Kids First to support a children’s organization you’re passionate about, let us know by suggesting a project or organization.

Molo Mhlaba Classroom Construction Update

A few weeks ago, the exterior construction of the new Molo Mhlaba classroom was successfully completed. However, a powerful storm struck Montclair, causing some damage to the building's exterior. Thanks to the fundraising efforts of our community, Kids First was able to provide additional support to make it possible for repairs to commence. This school holds immense significance for the young girls in the area who currently lack convenient educational options and remains on schedule to open its doors to students in January!

Summer Spotlight: Fundraising Events

Fundraising events, whether big or small, leave a significant impact, and we are excited to shine a spotlight on some of the ongoing initiatives within the Cultural Care community this summer.

Our Local Childcare Consultants have been hosting successful events in their local communities. Among others, we want to highlight: Linda and Phil Hahn, Marisha Fiden, and Chelsea Tinsley for organizing a carwash in Virginia. Emily Brazell for hosting a restaurant fundraiser in Virginia, and Melissa Hernandez for hosting a bake sale and restaurant fundraiser in California.

During Cultural Care’s au pair life event in Atlanta, au pairs contributed to the Fill Our Heart campaign by folding dollar bills into origami hearts! Throughout the summer, au pair ambassadors have also set up lemonade stands with their host kids.

Left: carwash in Virginia, U.S. Right: bake sale in Zurich, CH.

In addition, many fundraisers have taken place in and around Cultural Care's offices. The Boston office hosted a friendship bracelet sale, and similar sales occurred at au pair gatherings in Massachusetts. Meanwhile, the Denver office hosted its own bracelet-making event! The Berlin office collected and organized used clothing and other items to be sold at the Berlin Flea Market. The Zurich office also organized a waffle sale and bake sale, both of which raised a substantial amount for Kids First.

We're getting closer to our $25,000 goal, which will be matched by Cultural Care to complete the Molo Mhlaba school. Thank you to everyone who organized an event this summer, and to our donors! Join our community in making a donation!

Molo Mhlaba Classroom Groundbreaking

We have some groundbreaking news! Cultural Care Kids First Foundation is excited to share that we joined in the groundbreaking celebration at the Montclair site in South Africa—initiating the construction of the Molo Mhlaba school! This milestone took place on Saturday, April 27th, 2023, coinciding with Freedom Day, which commemorates the historic post-apartheid democratic election held in 1994. Freedom Day continues to inspire those who are still seeking freedom and democracy to this day.

During the event, Cultural Care Au Pair’s staff member, Meghan Africa, had the privilege of attending and delivering a speech on behalf of Kids First. We've pledged $50,000 to bring this school to life, with $25,000 contributed by generous donations from our community. Cultural Care Au Pair will then match the remaining $25,000. We're happy to announce that we’re already nearly halfway to our target, with $12,000 in donations received! With this ongoing support from Kids First, Molo Mhlaba is able to continue building this school and making a lasting impact on the lives of children. It's truly amazing to see the tangible progress we're making in bringing STEM education to young girls. We invite you to contribute by making a donation!

Supporting Girls' Education in South Africa

Kids First is back, and we are excited to announce our first major project of 2023 — we will be funding the construction of a permanent classroom for Molo Mhlaba schools in South Africa! 

Molo Mhlaba’s mission is to provide a high quality, affordable education to girls ages 3 to 14 in one of the most underserved communities in South Africa. Their Montessori-inspired curriculum includes project-based STEAM learning, art education, early literacy, physical education, after-school programming, and more. Kids First has worked with Molo Mhlaba in the past through a student sponsorship program, and we are delighted to work with them again to make a substantial and lasting impact in girls’ lives.

The Project 

During 2020, Molo Mhlaba was hit hard by the economic and humanitarian impact of COVID-19. Rent for their school building is expensive, and they found themselves under threat of eviction. This was a major wake-up call for the organization; they realized that they needed to invest in their own property and school structure to secure a stable future for girls’ education in the region. 

With the lessons learned during the pandemic in mind, they have moved aggressively to secure funding for this project. The building plans have been approved, the land has been purchased, and now they are ready to break ground on an 11-classroom school building that will serve the community for decades to come. Check out the artist’s rendering of the new Molo Mhlaba School below! 

Kids First has committed to funding one of these permanent classrooms. We are hoping to raise $25,000.00 dollars from our community through fundraising and donations, which will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Cultural Care Au Pair for a total funding goal of $50,000.00. It is an ambitious goal, but with the strength and passion of our global Cultural Care community, we know that we can make it happen! 

Get Involved

We need all hands on deck to reach our funding goals to support girls’ education at Molo Mhlaba. There are a ton of ways that you can get involved. You can host a fundraiser, set up a birthday donation drive on Facebook, or donate a portion of event proceeds to Cultural Care Kids First Foundation. Be creative! Every dollar that you donate will be matched by Cultural Care Au Pair, and all contributions go directly to helping kids in need.  

Helping Hands at Casa Hogar in Cabo

Several members of the Cultural Care Au Pair community recently spent some time at the Casa Hogar orphanage in Cabo, Mexico as a way to give back to the community and help children in need through Cultural Care Kids First Foundation.

Local Childcare Consultants (LCCs) from around the country had the chance to visit and volunteer at the orphanage—many of them brought donations, and spent time doing crafts with the kids. After some bonding time, the LCCs rolled up their sleeves and helped with cleaning and maintenance around the facilities.

 Kids First also provided Casa Hogar with a grant that will help provide a path to success for the young boys and girls in need in Baja California Sur. Casa Hogar is dedicated to providing active care and personal well-being to kids ages 8-19, building future productive citizens by giving sustenance, leadership and life skills by example. Casa Hogar is in the process of expanding one of their buildings and in particular creating a new classroom. The Kids First grant will fund the purchase of eight laptops for their new classroom.

All the LCCs that visited Casa Hogar walked away feeling fulfilled, touched, and inspired to continue helping children in need—both in Mexico and around the world. But one LCC left the orphanage feeling particularly moved.

Maryanne D’Amato of North Salem, New York had a profoundly eye-opening and rewarding experience at Casa Hogar thanks to a little boy named Zorn. We’ll let her tell the story in her own words …

 “The night before I left, I was at my daughter’s basketball game where she fell and hurt her arm. It turns out she had a sprained wrist and fractured elbow. I was with her in urgent care until 9:30pm the night before leaving. I then left my house at 4:15am the next morning on my trek to Mexico and just kissed her goodbye in the dark while she slept. Of course, a worried, guilty mom heading off to paradise. 

 Fast forward to our Kids First adventure in Cabo. When we got to Casa Hogar, the Director named Jason asked if there were any basketball fans among us and a few raised our hands. It seems there was a teenage boy there named Zorn that Jason said had spina bifida. Jason told us he used to walk with braces, but he’s had some set backs and problems with his feet—and now he is confined to a wheelchair and he is very sad.

 Jason said that Zorn loves basketball and chess, and if any of us would like to spend some time with him playing either, it might lift his spirits. My colleague Reba and I (a middle-aged mom whose best basketball days were many moons ago) joined him on the court with one of the staff. We had an amazing time playing and he started to smile, laugh and have fun on the court with us. 

 The world really does work in mysterious ways, as they say. I think my tears welled up about four times on our visit to Casa Hogar. The kids there were beautiful and funny and sweet and spunky. I enjoyed spending time with them, and making tye-dye shirts and playing.

All my worries for my daughter went away. She’ll be fine, after all—she was at home with Dad and her brother, plus she has excellent medical care and a charmed life. It gave me perspective.

I feel so fortunate that I had the opportunity to be there that day for a teenager who wanted to play a little hoops—a game I love to play and to watch my kids play. It really felt like I was meant to be there at that moment. Was this boy put in my path by the universe to ease my pain, or his, or both? I hope both.”

Before the LCCs left Casa Hogar, they carried on a special Kids First tradition—the act of quietly leaving small blue hearts behind after visiting children in need. These blue hearts are a way to make a wish and add an intention for these children—and a chance to leave a piece of ourselves with them.

Over the years, Kids First blue hearts have been left on playgrounds, on window sills, in gardens, on toy shelves and even tossed into the ocean near impoverished island communities.

Now, a piece of Kids First will forever remain at Casa Hogar. And a piece of Casa Hogar will forever be in the hearts of our LCCs and the Cultural Care community!

"Love Has No Borders" - Kids First Helps Children in Haiti

Cultural Care staff member Carly DeCoste recently embarked on an incredible service trip to Port-au-Prince, Haiti through the United States Foundation for the Children of Haiti (USFCH); it was there, with a special grant from Kids First, that she helped bring some much-needed hope and aid to the people living in one of the most impoverished countries in the world.

 Carly was inspired to travel to Haiti after seeing the impact that USFCH had on her boyfriend and his family through their service trips over the years. After hearing stories and seeing pictures, Carly knew she had to see the country firsthand – and help the children of Haiti in any way she could. So she reached out to another organization that she knew had the best interest of children in need around the world at heart: Kids First.

 Kids First was thrilled to partner with an active volunteer and member of the Cultural Care community, and to help make her trip to Port-au-Prince more meaningful. It was soon decided that the Suitcase of Supplies grant – a grant provided by Kids First to provide an organization with supplies that will directly benefit children living in poverty – would best align with Carly’s trip.

“In order to apply for the grant, I had to make sure that my trip fit the requirements,” says Carly. “The grants are awarded to a member of the Cultural Care community who is traveling to visit a children’s organization in another country, often beyond the reach of Cultural Care or EF.”

Carly used the funds to purchase supplies for the school at the Children’s Village in Port-au-Prince as well as for the baggage fee to fly the suitcase to Haiti. She brought with her a variety of books, folders, pens/pencils, highlighters, crayons and more to present to the school during her visit.

 These supplies will make a big difference for the children and teachers this coming school year, as their community has so few educational and economic resources. In fact, Haiti has long struggled with extreme poverty after two major, catastrophic environmental events in the 21st century – an earthquake in 2010 and a hurricane in 2016.

“I was truly shocked when I arrived in Haiti and drove through Port-au-Prince,” Carly recalls. “The roads and infrastructure in the city are still destroyed after these devastating events – it was heartbreaking to see so many families on the side of the road begging for food, water and shelter.”

Carly goes on to tell the story of an experience they had on their last day in Port-au-Prince – a perfect example of the great divide between the people and the government of Haiti: “During the first week of July, the Haitian government raised fuel prices which resulted in extreme rioting. I was fortunate to have made it out of the country just in time – but the riots caused flights to be cancelled for two days as protesters rioted outside of the airport and started bonfires in the streets to block the main roads. The rest of my group experienced these riots firsthand – a member of my group described the situation there as ‘post-apocalyptic; a war zone with debris everywhere and the (remnants) of burnt tires and cars.’”

These riots represent only a small fraction of the polarized political climate and extreme danger that the people of Haiti experience on a daily basis. That’s why it’s so important for people like Carly – together with Kids First and non-profits like USFCH – to do whatever they can to improve the lives of children and families impacted by these turbulent times.

While in Haiti, Carly’s group worked with the Fondation Pour Les Enfants d’Haiti (FEH) – the organization that runs an orphanage, nursery and school for children in Port-au-Prince. Each morning, Carly and her fellow volunteers (13 people total) drove to the Children’s Village to spend their days leading a summer camp for children consisting of games, activities and meals. After working there for a few days, Carly and her group decided to plan a special excursion to a local beach – specifically as a way to give the disabled children at the orphanage a chance to get out and do something unique.

 “That day trip was incredible for these children who rarely have the opportunity to leave the home and experience something as beautiful as the beach,” says Carly. “Their caregivers provided additional support for our excursion in what resulted in the most inspiring day.”

“On the last day of camp, we hosted a giant birthday party for all of the children at the school, filled with activities, cake and gifts! We prepared individual birthday presents for each child consisting of clothes, shoes and toys,” she says. “Handing the children their presents is an experience that I’ll never forget.”

 When asked how she feels about the trip now that she’s returned home, Carly struggles to find the right words to convey how meaningful it was: “I came in with what I thought was a good understanding of our world and came away with a truly eye-opening experience of a developing country. This trip forced me to think more critically about our life in the US and what is going on in our world today.”

One of Carly’s greatest takeaways from her time in Haiti is a better understanding of the world and a deeper passion for philanthrophy. Her group spent time reflecting not only on what they could do to help the people of Haiti, but what they could do to benefit their own local communities. “There’s always an opportunity to help and give back – you don’t need a service trip to get involved with volunteering,” says Carly. “I’m definitely inspired to volunteer more for organizations that support children in need.” 

 Kids First is deeply grateful to Carly and the entire volunteer group for helping change the lives of children in Port-au-Prince through the Suitcase of Supplies grant – and is already looking ahead to its next project to help kids around the world.

Perhaps Carly’s service trip with Kids First can best be summed up with a quote: “My fellow volunteer and friend told me ‘Love has no borders’ – and I truly couldn’t agree more. I feel so fortunate to have gone on this trip and to have had the opportunity to experience the love, acceptance and understanding the Haitian people live by every day.”

For Kids, By Kids: The Kids First Pine Ridge Project

When it came time to decide what service project Colorado-based Girl Scout Troop 3010 would do to earn their Junior Bronze Award, the choice was clear: They wanted to make activity kits for children in need. Two questions dominated the girls’ conversations: Who do we help and who can help donate the items for the kits? The girls quickly found children who lived just 5 ½ hours away on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota – they knew they wanted to help them.  

Friends of Pine Ridge connected the troop with Wounded Knee District School, and after learning that the school has 189 students in their care, the Girl Scouts made a list of all the items to be included in 3 types of kits: Arts & crafts, wood tinker kits and robotics kits. The list was long and plentiful!

The girls knew they needed financial support to make this happen – so they turned to Kids First! We were thrilled to help. Kids First decided to not only support the purchase of robotics equipment for the 7th and 8th graders through a grant, but to also roll up our sleeves and pitch in to help deliver the supplies. During a spring work weekend in the Cultural Care Au Pair Denver office, LCCs and staff – motivated by the story of children who lived so close but have so little – jumped in to assemble 110 arts & crafts kits.

Then, the generosity kept coming. Soon, local au pair and host family communities heard about the effort and it spread – Pine Ridge had not only 189 activity kits, but also sanitary supplies, 70 comforters and warm blankets, food, clothing, sporting goods, school supplies and robotics equipment. In order to deliver the donations, we needed 3 vehicles and a U-Haul trailer carrying eight Girl Scouts and three moms!

After a long drive and an overnight in northern Nebraska, Girl Scout Troop 3010 arrived to Wounded Knee District School and went to work unpacking all of the amazing items donated by Kids First and the local Cultural Care community. Together, they sorted, organized, cleaned, assembled, swept, mopped and (the cherry on the top), handed out boxes of Girl Scout cookies to school staff.

Kids First is so grateful to the girls of Troop 3010 for their determination and generosity – and of course, to the local community members who recognized the significance of helping children in need. “The girl scouts were so excited to see adults compelled to support other children,” says Julie Dye, 10-time host mom, LCC and Troop mom. “They cannot wait for their next service project!”

Changing Children's Lives in Sao Paulo, Brazil

At Cultural Care's 2017 National Training Conference, we recognized an amazing au pair, Mari Peixoto, for her outstanding contribution to Kids First through her One Dollar Changes Lives campaign. Mari grew up near a favela in Sao Paulo, Brazil – and before coming to the U.S. as an au pair, she volunteered with an organization called CEDECA where she was able to share her love of art with children in need.

In honor of Mari’s incredible work, Cultural Care Kids First Foundation announced that we would provide funding for an arts program through CEDECA in Mari’s home country of Brazil. Along with Mari, we invited one of our most outstanding local childcare consultants – Andrijana Valladares – to join us on our trip, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to Kids First.

The Kids First team with the children of the favela

Together, the team facilitated an interactive art project and coordinated a large donation of books, arts & crafts supplies and much-needed funds to help the children of the favela. It was a moving experience for all, filled with gratitude, creativity and love.

Take it from Andrijana herself: "I feel very fortunate that I got such a unique opportunity to travel to Brazil as a Kids First Ambassador and to spend some time with children from several organizations. Children that we met did not stop smiling despite unimaginable hardships which they are facing on a daily basis. Many of these kids live in very poor conditions not having basic necessities, not many (if any) opportunities – and it takes a great deal of courage, strength, love and hope to keep going and these kids have it.”

Waiting for the t-shirts to dry

Admiring the final product

“I feel very lucky to be part of the lives of these children if even for a moment. I was reminded how small things in life matter and how giving is actually getting. When you give (not necessarily just material things) you actually get so much more in return. It doesn't take so much to make an impact on someone and I hope that the time we spent will give more strength and hope – and that visits like these will be reminder for them that they are worth, they matter and also they are many people who believe in them and did not give up on them.”

The Kids First team with the children of the favela

“Struggle, sadness, joy, happiness, courage, strength, dedication, new friendship – in short, these words describe how I feel about the trip. Part of my heart stayed in Brazil.”

From left to right, in Kids First t-shirts: Andrijana, Susan, Bettina, Mari

Thank you to all the generous host families, au pairs, friends and LCCs who donated and helped make this trip to Brazil possible!

Kids First Playcare Center in South Africa

We are so proud of our role in the building of a playcare center in South Africa with IMPCT Coffee - International. Half of the funds necessary to complete this safe, modern space for children living in poverty were provided by Kids First, and 150 children now attend Siyaya Playcare.

We’re thrilled to announce that the Kids First playcare is open! After two years of collaboration between Cultural Care Kids First Foundation and IMPCT, the doors are now open on a beautiful, safe, modern center for 150 young children in Khayelitsha, South Africa.

IMPCT is a global social enterprise dedicated to transforming low income and urban slum communities through education – in this case, they were a dedicated partner in helping us upgrade what was a very informal daycare in a township just outside Cape Town into a proper preschool where teachers and students alike can thrive.

Half of the funds necessary to complete this playcare were provided by Kids First, and we are so proud to have been a part of it. Be sure to check out this video from the Grand Opening – a wonderful celebration with teachers, parents, children and Cultural Care Au Pair staff.