All News & StoriesAs we say goodbye to 2024, staff share their favorite day/activity serving central Indiana’s families, child care professionals, and the community-at-large. We even have some fun memories that demonstrate how much we value each other as teammates.
Sarah, Community Engagement Specialist
My favorite day was Dia Del Ninõ at the Indianapolis Public Library! I LOVED being Daniel Tiger’s helper! Seeing the smiles and joy from the littles was absolutely everything I needed in this life and the next.
Lauren, Family Engagement Specialist
Every year, I look forward to the holiday season when Team CCA adopts a family (or several) to provide Christmas presents for the children. Staff were excited to come together this year to donate through The Salvation Army of Central Indiana. I enjoy shopping for the littles, especially since mine are growing so fast, and knowing that I am helping to spread holiday magic!
Sylvia, Program Resource Navigator
The staffed family child care network groups do it for me every time! I enjoy seeing the connections, hearing the conversations, and learning myself! These groups are one of the highlights of each month for me!
Mollie, Executive Director
When I think about 2024, it’s not tied to a specific day but rather to the experience of listening and observing. I enjoy attending events, meetings, and any gatherings where I can step back and watch the interactions unfold. It’s inspiring to watch the CCA team working with families, providers, and others and to see firsthand how we share what we do and how we can offer support. The moments when you see the wheels turning, eyes light up, and even the hugs of gratitude—those are the moments that make it all worth it.
Skylar, Administrative Assistant
I am three-way tied for my favorite. My first solo event was with families who came for school supplies; it brought me joy to let kids pick out something fun. I heard many incredible stories from vendors and parents, reminding me why we do what we do. Another event with Indy Hygiene Hub had 16 hairstylists providing free haircuts (on a Saturday no less). About 300 families were able to get hygiene supplies; I hadn’t even thought about how soap and haircuts are a luxury that I can afford. I also enjoyed the Volunteers of America (VOA) Easter celebration. Not only is the VOA mission incredible and needed, we also helped three families with child care that day, and I felt like I was making a huge difference. The cherry on top was experiencing kids so excited to see their families and have fun.
Rosy, Multicultural Family Engagement Specialist
Our pitch-ins are my favorite. Whether it’s the Family, Community, Program, or Leadership team, I absolutely love how much effort everyone puts into bringing something delicious to share with the whole team. They think of everything and take into consideration everyone’s dietary restrictions. I think this is one of the things about the CCA culture that I enjoy the most.
Eunice, Multicultural Community Engagement Specialist
I’ve truly enjoyed being out in the community, meeting new partners, and learning more about the valuable services they offer. It’s always a rewarding experience to share resources that can make a real difference for families. Connecting with organizations and expanding our network has been one of the most fulfilling aspects. Internally, I’ve found the team-building activities to be a highlight. Games like Rock Paper Scissors and the treasure hunt have not only been fun (we had some spontaneous laughs) but also a great way to bond and strengthen our collaboration. Also being able to provide useful, relevant information to families is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s amazing to see the impact that sharing resources and knowledge in their languages can have. The look in their faces means a lot to me!
Kristin, Communications Manager
My favorite day of 2024 was a true bucket list experience as a part of the CCA contingent that attended Child Care Aware of America‘s Day on the Hill in Washington, D.C. It was truly humbling to be able to represent the families and child care professionals of Indiana as we met our U.S. senators, plus staffers of four U.S. representatives from Indiana. Representative Carson’s office even provided us gallery passes, so we were able to watch live proceedings on the House floor. It’s a day I’ll never forget!
Jamie, Family Engagement Specialist
My favorite activity serving families is the annual Be My Neighborhood Day Event with WFYI at the Indianapolis Central Library. The event is a day full of family fun! We are able to meet families from all walks of life, learn about their needs, and share our give-a-ways and resources. This year was extra special because my family came to play and meet the one-and-only Daniel Tiger!
