Community Collaboration Brings Vital Support to a Grandmother

Chiquita Ferguson, the primary caregiver for her infant grandchild, faced a range of obstacles, from securing reliable childcare to supporting her older son’s mental health needs. With the assistance of a collaborative community initiative, Chiquita was able to access critical resources, providing stability for her family and moving closer to achieving her own educational goals.

One pressing issue was the lack of dependable childcare for her grandchild, which complicated Chiquita's ability to manage day-to-day responsibilities. Recognizing the challenge, her family advocate connected her with Miracle Kids, a local childcare provider known for its supportive services. Miracle Kids not only enrolled the infant into their program but also arranged transportation for the initial evaluation, as Chiquita did not have reliable access to transportation. Today, Miracle Kids provides daily transportation to and from their childcare center, easing Chiquita’s childcare concerns and enabling her to focus on other family needs.

In addition to childcare challenges, Chiquita’s 19-year-old son has been navigating mental health issues. Arisa Health intervened and his therapist was able to update the referral necessary for Medicaid approval for a day treatment program.

Chiquita also expressed her goal of earning a GED. She is actively working toward this milestone, empowering herself through education and expanding her future opportunities.

Through coordinated support from her family advocate and community partners, Chiquita Ferguson’s family is moving from a place of uncertainty to one of greater stability and opportunity. This journey highlights the impact of community resources in transforming lives, one step at a time.