Twenty years ago, Angélica Pérez moved to the United States from Mexico. Since then, she has dedicated her life to caring for children. Known simply as “Angie” to the families she serves, she has built deep bonds with the children in her care and earned the trust of their parents through her compassion, patience, and commitment.
Although she never had children of her own, Angie says the love she receives from the children she cares for is one of life’s greatest gifts. “Even though they aren’t my children, they call me ‘Mom,’” she says.
Parents know their children are in good hands. When they arrive at Angie’s home, many run to greet her, excitedly calling out, “I want to go with you!” For Angie, those moments are proof that she has created a safe, nurturing environment where children feel loved and supported. Angie credits much of her growth as a caregiver to Candelen’s Kith & Kin Program. Through training and educational workshops, she has gained new skills and confidence that have transformed the way she cares for children and fosters their love of learning.
Every day, the children in Angie’s care engage in activities that build creativity and early literacy, from drawing and experimenting with writing, to singing along with their favorite books. The impact of this learning often extends far beyond her home. One family was surprised when their daughter’s teacher praised her writing skills, unaware that Angie had been encouraging and teaching her through notebook exercises at home.
Beyond supporting the children she cares for, Angie has become an advocate for other family, friend, and neighbor caregivers in her community. She regularly shares information about Candelen, distributes flyers, and encourages others to take advantage of the organization’s resources, including CPR certification, safety training, and educational materials.
“I’m proud to be a child care provider,” Angie says. “To me, it’s a privilege to receive those smiles, those hugs. It’s never a goodbye, but a ‘see you later.’”
Through caregivers like Angie, Candelen’s Kith & Kin Program is helping children thrive, strengthening families, and empowering the trusted caregivers who play such an important role in their lives.