A Mother’s Testimony – Keisha

“This program allows me to work during the day and be at home with my children at night…. If I lose my childcare, I won’t be able to keep my job and then I won’t be able to take care of my children and then I will be forced to get on public assistance, which is no good for me because I have a college education.”

Nikeea’s Story

“I’m not an expert in politics, but when I received this letter from ACS, I said to myself – there must be other areas of the budget we can cut before we cut child care. There must be a better way,” said Nikeea Thomas. “This cut is setting up our children for failure. I am asking Mayor Bloomberg and all city leaders to find a better way for me, for my son, for the 17,000 children who desperately need your help – we cannot cut off 17,000 children from child care. There must be a better way.”

“If the city takes my son out of child care, I won’t be able to keep my job and support my family,” said Mayra Delgado, mother of a three year old and a legal assistant in a New York City law firm.  “In tough times, the child care that working families depend on should be the last thing the Mayor and City Council cut.”

“The City’s plan makes no sense,” added Corinthia Carter, who is in school and working.  “These politicians are always telling us they want people to go to school and find good jobs.  But without child care, how am I supposed to go to school and find work?”

“My children get excellent care and education,” said Jasmine Flores, who works for 311 and recently received a letter from the City saying her twin girls would lose access to child care.  “Thanks to the program they are in, I know they will be ready for school in a few years.  But when we lose this opportunity, I’m afraid they will fall behind.”

“Our child care and early education programs make sure children get an excellent education while their parents work hard – in grocery stores, hospitals, and small businesses across the city,” said David Nocenti, Executive Director of Union Settlement Association. “But with these cuts, many parents will be forced to leave the workforce and go on public assistance in order to care for their children.”