Meet Mirna C., a BronxWorks Participant

Mirna C. and her family have loved coming to BronxWorks for years.

Mirna C. came to the U.S. from El Salvador in 2011. She lives in the Concourse Village area of the Bronx with her three children. Her oldest son, Yahir, currently participates in BronxWorks COMPASS After-School program. When he was four years old, Mirna enrolled in the BronxWorks Home Instruction For Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program.

Yahir and a classmate in the HIPPY program in 2017 at the Annual BronxWorks Heritage Day.

HIPPY is a home-based early childhood development and parent education program that gives parents the tools to be their children’s first teachers. A HIPPY parent educator works with each family, visiting their home to provide support and introduce new lessons.

Mirna was pleased with the HIPPY program. “The program was so helpful for my son in getting him prepared for elementary school, and so helpful for me to be able to teach him at home,” she said. She loved the program so much that when her daughters, Brianny and Regina, each reached age 3, she enrolled them in the same program.

“The kids love coming here,” Mirna said. “I keep bringing them back because they have so much fun, they learn a lot, and they feel safe. The after-school program gives my children a place to come and learn so much.” With the launch of the Saturday Family Wellness Program in 2022, Mirna now has a place to spend time with her entire family on the weekends.

Mirna and her daughter Brianny in the Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center Pool.

Now that the Community Center pool has reopened, Mirna enrolled her children in swim classes. “My children all want to learn how to swim, and it’s important for them to have that skill,” she said. Yahir is already swimming in the deep end of the pool.

Mirna, who also participates in the BronxWorks Community Food Pantry, feels like BronxWorks is not just a place to go, but a part of her family. “My entire family has learned so much here!” she said. “We would not know what to do if it weren’t for the things BronxWorks provides.”

To support BronxWorks programs helping families like Mirna’s, donate to the BronxWorks Year-End Appeal!

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