Trying Together has selected Brenda Fronzaglio, the early learning director for Blueprints in Washington, as its September advocate of the month.
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Fronzaglio was nominated by Valerie Williams, Trying Together’s kindergarten transition program director, and Donna Shriver, owner of Smart Kids Child Care Learning Center.
“She truly understands that quality learning is the cornerstone for our young children,” said Shriver, who has partnered with Fronzaglio in advocacy efforts. “Brenda is committed and supportive to the children, families, and early childhood educators, and actively advocates for them.”
Fronzaglio said that she understands the importance of early childhood education because she benefited from it herself.
“As a Head Start graduate, I know firsthand that advocacy can change the course of a life,” she said. “Someone saw potential in me, they invested in me, and made sure I had access to opportunities that my family may not have been able to provide at that time. And because of that support, I entered school ready to learn and, most importantly, ready to believe in myself. When I hear the word advocacy, I don’t just think about speaking up for others – I think about the people who spoke up for me before I was able to speak up for myself.”
She said that advocacy is important to her because when she can share the difference that early care and education programs make in the lives of children and families, especially those who are most vulnerable, she is able to help others to understand why supporting such programs matters.
“Advocacy means making sure that every child, regardless of where they come from, has the chance to succeed,” Fronzaglio said.” It means giving families a voice and connecting them to resources they need to thrive. It means standing up for programs like Head Start that open doors and create opportunities for generations to come.”
Blueprints, which is part of the Community Action Network, connects people with tools, resources, and support, and its programs are designed to support families across all stages of life with early childhood education, financial and career support, housing stability, and services for older adults. Its no-cost early learning programs include Head Start, Early Head Start, and Pre-K Counts. Blueprints offers center- and home-based program options.
