A Journey of Learning: Celebrating 15 Years with the Flores Family

As memories popped up of a small program called “Madres a Madres” in Rowan County, a friendship formed with two moms, Tania Cuevas and Lizzbeth Flores.

Here we are today celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Flores family’s journey leading up to our organization, Smart Start Rowan.

What began as a moment of walking through new doors for some family support, getting out, meeting new people and having a safe place for their little ones to play and socialize, this engagement has been one of unwavering commitment, learning, growing and carrying through generations. shared purpose.

For the Flores family, North Carolina was a big change from their lives back in San Luis Potosi Mexico. But they made their way to Rowan County and decided to explore the resources that could help them and their expanding family thrive.

The activities that they became involved with soon transformed into profound connections that would shape not only their lives but also the very fabric of our organization.

They became advocates for other families facing similar challenges, where English was not their first language.   They regularly involved themselves in participating in not just “Madres a Madres”, but also “Circulo de Padres”.  They continued sharing their experiences with other families and the playgroups kept growing, as did their family.

As the years unfolded, and we flash forward to the now, the Flores family has grown to Mom Lizzbeth, Dad, Jose, Brandon (age 26), Irving (age 23), Kareem (age 11), Iker (age 4) and grandkids Brayden (age 9), Matthew (age 8) and Lailani (age 1), and fur baby dog, Kali.

When they came to Smart Start Rowan, Irving was 8 years old and Brandon was 11.  They were recommended to check us out by another family member.  They felt a strong sense of community so much that all their children and grandchildren have been in our playgroups and programs including the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Child Care Resource & Referral, Early Learning Resource Center, Little Free Library, SSR Playroom, and Kaleidoscope Play & Learn.

Their favorite things about Smart Start Rowan are the programs, the inclusivity, the attention and caring staff and feeling that we go beyond just handing them a pamphlet and saying here you go.  Their most favorite event is the Annual Breakfast with Santa that they do as a family. The have told so many other families about us that our Kaleidoscope Play & Learn Spanish Program has gown to 2 days a week due to popularity.  Miss Tania has created an incredible space for everyone to learn and develop.

The Flores Family weren’t just celebrating an anniversary.  They were celebrating a family within a family with us — that had illuminated our path for over 15 years.

And so, we raise our virtual glasses to the Flores Family, for your trust in us, your friendship and your belief in what we can do for generations.

Remember, it’s your story and we are glad to be a part of it.

Denise Heinke

Director of Outreach and Development

Smart Start Rowan

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