CNE to receive $140K from United Way-MC

There is an untold story for families who work their way out of poverty. It begins just as those families start to experience success. While they still do not make enough to fully support their families, they often no longer qualify for government assistance. This “funding cliff” can result in those families falling back into poverty and generational cycles of reliance on government support.

CNE is committed to ensuring that those families can continue on their upward journey by providing support through its early learning community hub model. In a strong showing of support for CNE’s vision in this model, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago has committed to funding CNE for $140,000 ($70,000 for the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 fiscal years). The funds will be dedicated to expanding CNE’s home visiting services to children in households who live just about the federal poverty level but are not yet financially stable.

These services will include: weekly home visits that provide educational activities for children; peer groups for parents; connection to medical services through Erie Family Health Center; linkage to career services through National Able Network; coordination with youth serving organizations to ensure community schools are linked to early learning support; and transition planning for children entering kindergarten through School Districts.

“The short and long-term impact of quality early learning experiences for children is well-documented and United Way is pleased to recognize CNE’s work in this area,” said Marcia McMahon, Regional Chief Professional Officer at United Way North-Northwest. “Their consistent results, holistic approach to the family and collaboration with other service providers make them an ideal partner in United Way’s education strategy.”

This support from UWMC reflects that CNE’s comprehensive services in offering quality, early childhood education and family supports has the ability to transform communities and change the lives of families living in the Northern Suburbs.

“We believe this work has the potential to change the trajectory of families living in poverty,” said Andrea Densham, CNE’s executive director. “We are committed to removing barriers to opportunities for our youngest children by applying the best new research to evidence-based programs that ensure all children have everything they need to succeed.”

Families served will be those in most need, including those who have experienced homelessness, speak a home language other than English, have children with signs of developmental delays, include parents and/or children who have dropped out of school, and those with insufficient family income.

“This funding will bridge a critical gap in services,” Densham said. “When families rise above the Federal Poverty Level, much support such as Head Start, Childcare Assistance Program and other subsidies drop off dramatically. UWMC funding will allow CNE to build a bridge for these families across the subsidy cliff.”

CNE has been offering home visiting in the North Suburbs for over 20 years. CNE’s current home visiting is supported by Early Head Start, and is specifically designated for prenatal moms and/or parents with children birth to age 3. Through this program, a trained educator provides weekly home visits of no less than 90 minutes each to help parents support their child’s early health and developmental needs.

CNE upholds a very high standard of services for its home visiting program, going above and beyond the minimum quality standards set by the state of Illinois for home visiting programs in numerous ways.

This expansion of services is just one of the steps CNE is taking to propel a strategic, visionary plan to serve the Northern Suburbs as an early learning community hub. For more information or to set up an interview with Executive Director Andrea Densham, email Director of Marketing and Communications Jamie Ferguson at fergusonj@childcarenetworkofevanston.org or call Jamie at 847-475-2661.

About Childcare Network of Evanston
Since 1967, Childcare Network of Evanston has provided comprehensive resources for families who are searching for high-quality child care and early childhood education options in Evanston and surrounding communities. We envision a North Suburban community in which all children benefit from healthy, financially stable households that support their early learning and growth. As a trusted resource for families and organizations, CNE has become an early childhood community hub of high-quality support for children and families in the Northern suburbs. For more information, visit www.childcarenetworkofevanston.org.

About United Way of Metropolitan Chicago
United Way leverages expertise, connections and resources to transform individual lives and entire neighborhoods. We advance the common good on both a regional and neighborhood level by focusing on the building blocks for thriving people and communities: a good education, financial stability, access to quality health care and ensuring basic needs are met. For more information visit www.liveunitedchicago.org

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