When Patricia became the legal guardian of her grandson at age two, she faced a heartbreaking reality. Her grandson was withdrawn and disengaged due to experiencing trauma from his parents’ struggles. “At the park, other kids would say, ‘Hi, want to play with me?’ and he would just act like he didn’t even hear them,” Patricia recalls. “He wouldn’t engage. He didn’t want to talk or look at people.”
Through the support of SETA’s Head Start program, Patricia’s grandson’s life began to change. Now five years old, Patricia’s grandson has blossomed socially and emotionally. “He has friends now,” Patricia says with pride. “He looks forward to going to school. He wonders about his friends if they’re absent. That’s a huge step for him.”
Patricia credits SETA not only with her grandson’s development but also with providing her with the support she needed. That was thanks to one of SETA’s staff members, Mariah, a Family Service Worker. “She listened with her heart,” Patricia says. “She gave me resources and made me feel seen. When you help me, you help my child. And when you hear me and see me, you help him.” SETA’s Head Start program provided the tools and expertise Patricia couldn’t access alone. “I read everything I could, but I’m just one grandmother. Head Start gave him the skills to be ready for kindergarten.”
Patricia’s message is clear: SETA’s Head Start program is a necessity. “SETA Head Start allows parents and grandparents to get the help they need so our kids can grow up, have meaningful work, and contribute,” says Patricia. “And for the parents who are considering [SETA] Head Start for their child, it’s really valuable. So, I would strongly suggest that if you’re considering it, check it out. It’s been a really good experience for us.”
To learn more about SETA’s Head Start program and the services we provide, please visit cfs.seta.net.
