When 3-year-old Taylor met his Encompass Advocate, his world started to change in so many ways. He was showing signs of developmental delays and exhibiting aggressive behaviors in the classroom. The Child and Family Advocate Program was launched in 2018 to help children like Taylor overcome setbacks and become successful.
This fully grant-funded program has increased our retention rate for at-risk children from six months to 37 months and served 99 children and 74 families in 2024 alone.
Advocates take a hands-on approach and get to know the children and families they work with on a deep level. Taylor’s Advocate began going to the classroom to build a connection with him and get to know his needs. After building a relationship, she worked with the classroom educators to establish a new routine to create consistency, which often impacts the feelings of safety and trust for children, especially if they have experienced trauma already.
Once a routine was established, it was clear that Taylor still needed additional intervention. His Advocate and the educators adjusted their approach to support Taylor by intentionally encouraging play and meaningful interactions with other peers to help build a sense of belonging and success within the classroom.
As Taylor’s Advocate was supporting him, she was also walking alongside his family as he received a formal evaluation, the first step in receiving necessary specialized support and interventions for children. Through this process, a diagnosis was returned, which recommended Taylor receive 40 hours of ABA (applied behavior analysis) therapy at a different facility outside of Encompass. After years of building trust and relationships with Encompass directors, educators, and their Advocate, the family didn’t want Taylor to have to go off-site for this therapy. Once again, his Advocate came to the rescue! She was able to support their wish by facilitating another connection with an organization who was willing to provide the interventions needed on-site at Encompass.
Now, Taylor and his family are receiving the support needed while remaining in quality care with his school family at Encompass. While Taylor’s story is just one of many, he exemplifies why the Child & Family Advocate Program has become essential for Encompass to meet our mission in the community.
In addition to grant funding, we also receive individual support from donors and events like the annual Christmas Tea hosted by Encompass Board Member Tracy Arndt.
When you support the Child & Family Advocate Program, you are making a transformational impact for Taylor and so many other children. Thank you!
