Every family deserves the support they need to help their children grow, learn and thrive.
Made possible through funding from First Things First, United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona’s Family Support Alliance connects families with trusted, evidence-based programs that strengthen parenting skills, promote healthy child development and prepare children for success in school and life. Through home visiting, developmental screenings, parenting education and connections to community resources, the Family Support Alliance partners with parents every step of the way, providing encouragement, practical tools and meaningful support during the most important years of a child’s development.
For Sarah and Lester Rosales, that support has made all the difference.
Over the past six years, their family has participated in Parents as Teachers and other Family Support Alliance programs, receiving guidance, resources and encouragement while raising their three young children: Catalina, Alicia and Lester Jr.
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We recently sat down with Sarah to learn more about her family’s experience.
Tell us a little about your family and how you got involved.
My name is Sarah Rosales, and this is my husband, Lester. Together, we have three children: Catalina, Alicia and Lester Jr. I’m a registered nurse, he’s a contractor with his own business, and we’ve been part of the program for almost six years.
My sister-in-law had her children in the program and told me about it when I stopped working full time. At the time, I had Catalina and Alicia, and then I became pregnant with Lester. The program helped me so much with all the resources they have for families.
The kids have really enjoyed it too, especially the Stay & Play events and story times. They gave us resources for parenting and helped us learn how to handle having three children so close in age. It became a really good resource for our family.
What kinds of support have been most meaningful?
Our educator visits monthly to provide information on developmental milestones and positive discipline, and to remind us to take care of ourselves as parents.
One of my favorite parts is that when our educator comes, I get an hour that’s completely focused on my child. It gives me a chance to slow down and just be present instead of worrying about all the other things that need to get done around the house.
Was there a moment when you realized the program was making a difference?
Sarah smiles as she remembers taking her oldest daughter, Catalina, to a Stay & Play event for the first time.
She’s always been very energetic, so I was nervous about taking her. I thought she’d have to sit quietly like it was a classroom.
The first time we went, I was actually teary-eyed because she did so well. She loved it. After that I realized, “Let’s just do this.” Our educators always reminded me, “They’re just kids—let them play and let them enjoy.” That really stayed with me.
With Catalina, I’ve seen her reading improve so much. Every visit, they brought us books, and now we’ve built a little library at home. She’s starting to read to her younger siblings, and I really believe the program helped give us the tools to make reading part of our everyday life.
How has the program helped your family connect with the community?
It’s helped me feel more confident taking the kids out and spending time with other families. We’ve been able to visit places like the zoo, Children’s Museum and other community programs before the kids even started school.
Especially for my youngest, who’s a little shy, I’ve seen him become more comfortable playing with other children. The kids have also built such a wonderful bond with our educator—they’re always excited to see her.
I think this program is very important because it provides resources families may not even know exist.
As a working family, it’s sometimes hard to find programs that are affordable or that you qualify for. This program gave us opportunities we might not have had otherwise, along with extra support like books, diapers and parenting resources.
What does “Live United” mean to you?
Sarah pauses before answering.
“When I hear ‘Live United,’ I think of family and community. It feels like one big family. Everywhere you go, you see United Way involved in helping kids and families. It’s comforting to know those resources are there.”
Lester agrees, adding that before becoming involved with the Family Support Alliance, he had donated to United Way through workplace giving for years.
“For 14 years I contributed through my workplace. Now our family is actually part of one of the programs. It’s kind of a full-circle moment.”
