Shining a Light on Bright Spots in FFN Care Across Colorado

Celebrating Colorado’s Unsung Child Care Heroes

We’re proud to announce the release of Bright Spots in Supporting Family, Friend, and Neighbor Care for Young Children in Colorado, a new report that highlights the incredible work happening across our state to support one of the most essential and often overlooked parts of our child care system: Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers.

Supported jointly by the Buell Foundation, Colorado Gives Foundation, The Colorado Health Foundation, and Donnell-Kay Foundation, this report highlights six organizations across Colorado that are meeting FFN providers where they are: with trust, respect, and community-rooted support. These Bright Spots are not presented as “the best of the best,” but rather as examples of the diverse, innovative ways that local organizations are engaging with FFN caregivers as they care for and support children and families.

For example, one such organization, Empowering Communities Globally, works with refugee and immigrant women in the Denver area to build their skills, confidence, and leadership as FFN caregivers. Through paid training, language support, and personal mentorship, Empowering Communities Globally helps caregivers navigate systems, pursue certifications, and build community power, all while honoring their cultural identities and lived experience.

Discover the Bright Spots Transforming Child Care in Colorado

This is just one of many powerful stories in the report. From rural counties to urban neighborhoods, these Bright Spot organizations are advancing culturally responsive training, forming deep caregiver networks, and advocating alongside FFNs to change policy and increase visibility.

What makes this report particularly special is that it was shaped and led by FFN caregivers themselves. Seven diverse FFN providers served as co-researchers on this project. They interviewed, analyzed, and guided the project, to ensure that the insights and recommendations reflect the real needs and experiences of those doing the work every day.

We hope you’ll read the full report, celebrate the six Bright Spots featured, and be inspired to support FFN care in more communities across the state. These stories offer a hopeful reminder: when we trust FFN caregivers, listen deeply to what they want, and provide equitable access to resources, the children in their care – our future – will thrive.