These stories are representative of some of the biggest challenges families are facing, and some of the biggest positive effects free preschool has on their lives.
“When we got into PFA, my husband and I had both been laid off and we weren’t sure how we would keep our daughter in school…”
“Because of Preschool for All We were able to buy a much needed family sized car that we were previously unable to afford.”
-Casandra H.M., Montavilla
“PFA has literally changed our lives. As a family of five, preschool has always been a stressful decision [….] PFA changed all that.”
“I get to work close to full time and my wife can work full time. We are one of the families that pays the tax and we are happy to do it, from both an individual and a business owner’s perspective: I am in the process of incorporating an LLC.”
-Jonathan P., father of 3
“Our son was able to go to full-time quality childcare, which allowed our family increased financial stability…”
“We can afford food and medical care without government assistance due entirely to Preschool for All.”
Kristen F., mom of twins in PFA, St. Johns
“It was such a blessing for our family. Our daughter was just one years old when Covid started. As a hairstylist, my income was greatly impacted…”
“My foster child in my care depends on preschool for all! It is the only way I can afford to have her in my care….”
“My child was just accepted into Preschool for All, so we just paid our last large childcare bill for August and come September won’t need to again… ”
We’d love to hear from you
Like flowers that bloom in unexpected places, every story unfolds with beauty and resilience, revealing hidden wonders.
Our son was able to go to full-time quality childcare, which allowed our family increased financial stability and our son was able to thrive in a developmentally stimulating environment. When our foster daughter came to us I didn’t know if I was going to be able to continue working, but with Preschool for All we were able to support bringing her into her family without worrying about financial stress. Because of Preschool for All, we were able to afford better groceries, a few camp opportunities for the kids in the summer, we were able to buy them new shoes when they needed them, and we were able to save up enough vacation hours to take a little trip.
Mar Z., single mom of 2, Lents
When we got into PFA, my husband and I had both been laid off and we weren’t sure how we would keep our daughter in school and if one of us would have to give up our careers and stay home. Because of PFA we were both able to continue working and keep our daughter in her class that she LOVES. We also have been able to pay down debt, and even start saving to create our own safety net.
-Kate C.
PFA has literally changed our lives. As a family of five, preschool has always been a stressful decision — either chose a co-op program, which are increasingly difficult to find (many have closed in SE Portland), disorganized (we’ve participated in three with our older kids), and practically impossible with two working parents. Or pay for a preschool program that we can’t afford and puts us in debt. PFA changed all that. Our son is thriving socially, his teachers are exceptional, and we feel a true connection to his new school. Plus, we are out of credit card debt for the first time in years. And we are solidly middle class with advanced degrees — I cannot imagine how other families float preschool without PFA.
-Katie G., mom of 3, ages 5-13, Montavillla
My foster child in my care depends on preschool for all! It is the only way I can afford to have her in my care. Threatening preschool for all puts the most vulnerable families at risk. Without it, I am not sure how foster kids and foster families in the system would make it work!
Lizz S., resource parent, social worker, and teacher, Rose City Park
It was such a blessing for our family. Our daughter was just one year old when Covid started. As a hairstylist, my income was greatly impacted during Covid. The fact that we got free preschool helped me go back to work and gave my daughter much needed social learning where she excelled in a Spanish immersion preschool which led to an amazing kindergarten year.
-Amber B., hairstylist & single mom of 2, Brooklyn
My child was just accepted into Preschool for All, so we just paid our last large childcare bill for August and come September won’t need to again. We will be able to put more money into savings, including college savings for our children, and are able to put more money into necessary home projects (e.g. getting the house repainted). Also, I work in early childhood special education and see firsthand the positive impact Preschool for All has on families and childcare centers. More children are able to access positive childcare experiences and learn with their peers, setting children and families up for success.
-Anna R., mom of 2, one in PFA, early childhood educator, Kenton
