How one Colorado mom went from nearly losing her home to helping other families find their footing.
Antonia Baca first heard about VOA Colorado from a flyer left at her mother-in-law’s door. VOA’s early childhood programs give children ages three to five a head start on school, either in a classroom or through a home-based option, where a teacher visits once a week to work one-on-one with the kids and their parents. Raising four young children, Antonia made a decision: “Let’s get their education early.” Her oldest started in the classroom, and her second began learning at home, with colors, shapes, and letters part of every visit.
Being part of VOA’s family programs opened the door to more. Through VOA’s Adopt-a-Family program, Antonia shared what her children needed and hoped for, and a local family took on their Christmas list. One holiday season, that family brought the gifts to her door themselves. They didn’t just drop them off. They stayed to pray with her family and sing with her kids.
“It was the best experience I’ve ever had,” Antonia says. “I hold that close to me.”
There were harder seasons, too. When money got tight and the family was close to losing their home, her home-based teacher was there. She helped Antonia find rental assistance and financial aid, and VOA made sure the baby had formula and diapers. “They don’t just ask if you’re okay that one day,” Antonia says. “They keep making sure you’re okay.”
The family kept their home, and the kids took off. Her oldest walked into kindergarten already writing her name. Her then four-year-old wrote her own name and her sister’s on the first day, “and they’re long names.”
Today, Antonia is the one reaching out. Whenever she sees a family in need, she talks to the parents and learns more about their story. She has helped bring multiple families to VOA over the past few years.
She knows a day is coming when her youngest heads to kindergarten. “I’m gonna be so sad,” she admits. But her kids will walk in ready, and her family will walk out on their own.
Here’s to more Independence Days.
Give the gift of independence.