 Tarsha Jordan, a dedicated family child care provider in our community, shared with OSSS an email she sent recently to fellow Family Child Care (FCC) Program leader, Nancy Harvey. Nancy is also a part of the bargaining committee for Child Care Providers United. As Tarsha eloquently describes, California family child care providers are now seeing the results of their historic victory to establish the nation’s first retirement fund for FCC providers, a critical step towards their financial security and recognition of their vital work. From: Tarsha Jordan
Date: Mon, Oct 21, 2024 at 2:49 PM Subject: Thank you so much To: Nancy Harvey Hello Nancy, Today during naptime I heard footsteps on the front porch. I silently asked the question to myself, "Who would come here during naptime? and I hope they do not ring the doorbell". I soon realized it was our mailman making his daily deposit of junk mail, bills and a few interesting items, into the mailbox. As the mailman departed I quietly approached the front door and gently opened it, being careful not to awaken the little "nappers". I nonchalantly grabbed the mail. It contained 11 voting mailers, 3 bills and 1 additional envelope from CHILD CARE PROVIDERS UNITED-RETIREMENT FUND. I continued to act in a quiet manner as I gently opened the envelope. As I began to read I also began to weep, at first quietly, and then I began to cry uncontrollably. This unassuming envelope contained a key to my future. The words on this paper express validity for this amazing work that I am fortunate to do each day, this work that we are fortunate to do each day. To be able to tell my grandchildren that I was a part of this inaugural group of providers that received the 1st ever retirement plan in our country is so honorable. This is something for the record books for all of us. I am so grateful for the work done by our fearless [Child Care Providers United] retirement committee. I feel the presence of the angels gathering around all of us on this journey. I thank the entire committee for their work on making our retirement a reality, in this lifetime. Thank you all so much. I know the committee consists of more people than I know, thanks to each of you.
I thought to myself: One member of the committee I know well is Nancy Harvey. I have watched as she has tirelessly given of herself to attend meetings late into the evenings after caring for little ones during the day. This has been a 3-year journey. These meetings sometimes occurred more than once per week or at odd hours, but she was there. Her commitment to providers and social justice is unparalleled. She is a titan who is not afraid to stand alone, to lead, to walk in support of or to follow. She views no opportunity to advocate as too big or too small.
Hats off, many curtsies and hearts full of thank yous and endless appreciation to you Nancy.
I am so grateful to all the providers on the committee who fought for us to achieve this great win.
Oh yes, the little nappers are still asleep.
With thanks, Tarsha Comments are closed.
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