After separating from his spouse, Zack was determined to provide stability for his two sons. He would soon learn he would become their sole caregiver and that his sons were not enrolled in school.

“I had to scramble and try to get them enrolled in school,” he said.

As he started the process of getting their lives back on track, he was connected to United Way Ready Children Impact Partner, AVANCE, and enrolled in their Parent-Child Education Program.

The program helped him adapt to his role as a caregiver, which expanded seemingly overnight from a shared responsibility with his ex-wife to his sole responsibility. Through parenting education classes, Zack learned practical skills and gained knowledge that gives him greater confidence as his children’s sole caregiver. He learned crucial information about child development, coping strategies and effective parenting techniques.

“I went from just being the working dad to being the dad, the mom, the taxi driver, the everything,” Zack said.

During this difficult time, Zack recalls his children having to alternate between the same two outfits during the week. Through AVANCE, He was also connected to resources that helped his family access clothing, basic needs and other support.

With this support, he now better understands his children’s needs and is able to support them emotionally. As an individual, and not just a parent, he says the program taught him how to process his frustrations in healthier ways.

United Way invests in Ready Children Impact Partners that provide critical resources to families, like AVANCE’s Parent-Child Education Program. These programs ensure that all children are healthy in mind, spirit and body. Every child deserves to grow up in safe, stable and nurturing environments like the one Zack is providing for his children today.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today and have my children if it wasn’t for this program,” Zack says.

He also credits his friends, family and the many people at AVANCE for helping him make it through this challenging time.

Today, Zack’s two children are excelling in school and have shown improvements in their behavior and emotional well-being. With a stronger foundation for parenting, Zack is supporting his children’s development and providing them with a brighter future.