Kelcee Jones joined the Ready Region Blue Ridge Family Council to be more engaged with her childrens’ education and advocate for students with similar needs. As a participant in United Way’s Mixed Delivery and Go2Grow programs, she brings a unique and necessary perspective about creating opportunities for other families.
Where did you grow up?
Buckingham County—with my mom, dad, and three older brothers. We lived next door to my grandmother. My mom still lives in the same house!
What was it like having three older brothers?
It made me tough and well-rounded. I ran track and played basketball in high school. I even made regionals in shotput.
What do you do for work?
I am a case manager at the Shelter for Help in Emergency, which provides services to victims of domestic violence. It is different than my previous role at Charlottesville Public Housing Association of Residents (PHAR), but I am still getting to serve at-risk communities. I found my passion for helping others while I was a stay- at-home mom during the pandemic.
Could you tell us about your experience as a new mom?
Having two kids under the age of two during the pandemic was tough on me. I suffered from postpartum depression with my first child. I felt stagnant; like I wasn’t living my purpose, despite being a whole mom. When I had my second child, I knew I had to be proactive. My boyfriend encouraged me to look into nonprofits. That’s when I came across PHAR. In my role as Housing and Redevelopment Organizer, I helped residents contribute to redevelopment projects at Crescent Halls, South First Street, and Westhaven.
What has it been like finding childcare as a working parent?
Finding affordable childcare in our area is extremely difficult to navigate, especially if you’re a working parent. When I first started working, I was on Virginia’s childcare subsidy program, but I was still paying more than I could afford. I connected with United Way, and they funded slots for both my daughter and my son at Shining Stars through the Mixed Delivery program. Unfortunately, Shining Stars had to close in August due to staff shortages. We found a new slot for my daughter in the pre-k program at Scottsville Elementary School through Go2Grow. I will be relying on her grandfather to pick her up, because the program lets out at 2:30pm and she can’t go to Boys and Girls Club until she turns five. Lina Montoya at United Way helped me find a spot for my son at Barrett Early Learning Center—and for now, we are stable.
Why did you get involved with the Ready Region Family Council?
I’m a hands-on parent. I like being involved with my kids and advocating for people with similar needs. The curriculum at Shining Stars challenged my daughter more than her previous childcare provider, and I wanted to help create those opportunities for other local families. It felt good to notice that my feedback was incorporated into the Go2Grow application while I was filling it out for my daughter. I saw ways we can improve next year’s application to better serve parents like me.