CDP Alum Spreads Love and Support to the Next Generation

“The future of the world is in my classroom today.” ~ Ivan Welton Fitzwater

As we move through daily life, it can be easy to forget the lasting impact we have on those around us. In early childhood education, we are reminded daily, that the way we care for, educate, and support our children and families today has the potential to create a lasting positive impact.

At Children’s Day, we believe in the power of early education. And we believe when it is combined with social and emotional learning and support, that the growth and resilience of all children and families are infinitely possible. Our day-to-day work involves providing that education and support- in whatever way each child and family needs. Our vision is that our work will help to create a community where all children have the resilience needed to overcome everyday challenges and families are well prepared to guide them into being the future leaders of the world.

Many of our alumni keep in touch with us over the years- stopping by CDP with updates on school and work, challenges, and successes. As mentioned in previous posts, we even have several former students who are now staff members!

All of our former students remind us of the impact today has on the future.

None more so than Cámo- who has shown us through their life and work, how they are living our vision!

LOGRO co-founders, Cámo (left) and Diana (right), being awarded the People’s Power Award for 2022!

Say hello to Cámo… a Children’s Day alum and co-founder of LOGRO Passaic!

Cámo and fellow advocate, Diana Tiburcio, founded a non-profit organization, LOGRO, which is a network of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ organizers committed to racial and social justice. It is an organization “created BY Passaic youth, FOR Passaic youth”. Founded at the height of the pandemic, LOGRO was looking to find a way to close the education attainment gap with students in Passaic that were going through the tough times the pandemic brought while dealing with the interruption of their education.

LOGRO is an equity-driven network of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ organizers that collaborate with individuals and organizations to uplift marginalized voices, foster inclusive communities, and innovate new styles of activism. Cámo and Diana’s vision is to develop safe and inclusive communities where BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals do not face discrimination and can access mental health, financial, and professional services without difficulty.

Cámo and LOGRO’s work is just beginning, but they are already having a huge impact on the Passaic community. They've offered a Mentorship Program that provides support to students by sharing resources, and opportunities, as well as connecting them to professional and personal networks that can help them discover their passion and career goals! From 2020 to 2022, LOGRO's Mentorship Program responds to the community’s need for a sustainable, substantive, and supportive network of alumni and/or other professionals who can provide resources and opportunities for Passaic students.

Cámo and Ms. Yolanda reconnecting here at Children’s Day Preschool.

As a past student here, Cámo holds many memories and values from CDP that have shaped them into the person they are today. They can still recount memories of our social workers, primarily Ms. Yolanda, giving amazing support to Cámo and their family. In Cámo’s own words, “Yolanda was my childhood therapist [at the school] and really now my best friend, family, I consider her as a mother and the people here gave me the foundation and the support I needed to now spread that support and love to the students that I serve at LOGRO.”

Cámo studied International Public Affairs at Brown University- and recently graduated in May of 2022. While at Brown, Cámo learned a lot about the nonprofit world and the important work done by so many agencies across NJ, the country, and the world. While at Brown, Cámo became inspired to start LOGRO, deciding to be a lot more involved in the Passaic community after graduating.

After LOGRO was formed, it helped create a safe space/voice for the youth of Passaic. LOGRO organized Passaic's first PRIDE Festival in 2022, which provided an opportunity for the youth of Passaic to feel seen and heard. To say we are proud of what Cámo and LOGRO have started in our Passaic community is an understatement!

In Cámo and their work, we see how our vision of building resilience and preparing the future leaders of the world is very possible. Cámo reminds us how what we do today to support our children and families has deep rippling effects well into the future. It fills our hearts with so much joy and gratitude for Cámo- and we are so incredibly proud of the important work they are doing to continue that vision of creating a strong, resilient community in Passaic.