Marita's Story

Marita became a Family Day Care provider to support her two older children in college. With little education herself, Marita knew finding a job would be difficult. She opened her home as a family-based daycare, earning enough extra income to pay for her sons' tuition. In addition, the daily presence of three toddlers revitalized her love for children and eased the loneliness of her own empty nest. Marita developed a strong friendship with Julia, the teenage mother of a two-year-old boy in her daycare. Julia was struggling to finish high school and raise her daughter when she was referred to New York Foundling's Family Daycare Services. Though nervous about leaving her child in the care of others, Julia soon realized how happy her daughter was under the older woman's care. Marita kept Julia's child happy and healthy, feeding him nutritious meals and teaching him games and songs. She also became a confidante and counselor to Julia, and her advice on raising children proved invaluable to the teenager.

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