Hi There,
I’m thrilled to join you and share more about what’s inspiring me during my first several months as the new VP of Communications and Events at United Way of Larimer County.
Growing up with a speech-language pathologist mom, I learned early on the critical importance of quality child care—did you know 85% of brain development occurs before age 5? This statistic continues to astound me as I witness how early education shapes outcomes across every aspect of society. Children in quality programs are four times more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree and less likely to experience teen pregnancy, substance misuse, or contact with the criminal justice system. Investing in child care isn’t just a social good for kids; it’s a strategic move to shape the workforce, public health, public safety, and more for the betterment of us all.
I was inspired to join the team at United Way of Larimer County because of their leadership in identifying and investing in solutions that have the greatest downstream impact. Where can we target efforts that will have the greatest ripple effects across society? The data is staggeringly clear: child care. When we invest in our littlest learners, we decrease the need for social service investments down the road, build a strong workforce and economy, and most importantly, ensure children grow up with the resources they need to fully exercise their self-determination and thrive.
In Colorado, there’s also a little-known bonus to supporting access to child care. Individual and corporate taxpayers in Colorado are eligible for the Colorado Child Care Contribution Tax Credit. Qualifying donations to child care programs or funds are eligible for a 50% state income tax return. So the benefits of supporting child care are truly personal and societal.
Here’s How You Can Help:
- Spread the Word: Forward this message to friends or colleagues so they can learn about the incredible impacts of high-quality child care and the tax incentives available for supporting child care!
- Support Larimer United for Child Care: Donations to Larimer United for Child Care advance affordability and accessibility of high-quality care across the county. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and every parent should have access to the child care they need to enter the workforce. Donations of $250 or more are eligible for a 50% state income tax credit through the Colorado Child Care Contribution Tax Credit (CCCTC).
- Learn more about long-term child care solutions: Sign up for Larimer Thrive by Five’s newsletter to delve deeper into this critical issue. Learn about local strategies and how you can get involved in shaping lasting solutions for our community’s childcare needs.
Thank you for being part of the journey toward accessible, affordable, quality child care. I’m excited to join you again next month to share how UWLC is contributing to systems-level change.
Kelsey DiAstra
Vice President of Communications and Events
