 PEC Launches Parent Ambassador Program in Permanent Supportive Housing By Todd Hopkins PEC BELL Project Early Childhood Coordinator Yasimine, a Parent Ambassador for PEC’s BELL Project Permanent Supportive Housing Program (BELL-PSH), describes her experience as a resident in the system as inspirational. “In the beginning, it was pretty rough as though it was a new start for me. But as time went on, I grew and learned. The experience ultimately changed my life.” Finding a quality early childhood program for her child was one of many hurdles that Yasimine had to navigate as a parent. “My biggest concern when I was trying to find a school was finding a school that would elevate his learning. I wanted to make sure my child was in a safe learning environment that would be good for his development.”
BELL-PSH was created to make that process easier for families. The Parent Ambassador, BELL-PSH position was developed to support outreach to parents in permanent supportive housing. The Ambassador, who is a resident in the program, engages families using a peer-to-peer approach to increase and build awareness of the importance of early childhood development and how to identify high quality early learning programs. Ambassadors also participate in trainings, parent workshops and special events. “I believe I can make a difference as a Parent Ambassador because I could offer the knowledge, advice, and resources that young parents need. I can understand and relate to them and their situation.” Yasimine is currently enrolled in a Child Development Associate credential program. As part of her ongoing training, she is acquiring the same educational foundation as thousands of early childhood professionals across the country. She will be sharing this Information with other parents. “The Parent Ambassador program is important to me because it allows me to help others who share similar experiences as me. Being a Parent Ambassador is a very important job because young parents, such as myself, need assistance and guidance to make great decisions for their children” For more information on the Parent Ambassadors and BELL-PSH, contact Todd Hopkins at thopkins@pec-cares.org
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