Isaiah Portillo is a veteran who worked for a local nonprofit assisting veterans leave homelessness. When the nonprofit lost their federal funding, Isaiah was laid off.
“Suddenly, I was the veteran needing help to avoid homelessness. I was very concerned about the direction I was taking my wife and three babies all under 2 years of age,” Isaiah said. “I immediately sought the assistance of agencies that help veterans avoid homelessness, as well as seeking assistance with Child Care Services.”
Isaiah enrolled in the Continuity of Care Program while he searched for a new job. This program is funded by the City of Austin and Travis County, and is designed to bridge sudden gaps in financial eligibility for local parents so their children do not lose their childcare placement.
Once enrolled, Isaiah received assistance from Giuliana Giardino, a Child Care Navigator with Child Care Services. Isaiah said, “Giuliana has been the most professional, kind, supportive, attentive, gentle, genuine, and caring person I’ve had the privilege of working with. I thank God that she was my case manager and I hope she never leaves CCS!”
The Continuity of Care program provided stability for Isaiah’s family while he secured new employment and his spouse enrolled in job training.
My wife cannot work, but we used this opportunity for her to get specialized training. So now, I have a job that is getting us by, and my wife is getting additional training in school. None of that would have been possible without Child Care Services assistance.
We partner with child care providers to strengthen quality care across Travis County. Learn about Child Care Services and how to join the waitlist.