Our Work

Strengthening Every Child by Recognizing Every Caregiver

Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers play a vital role in raising Colorado’s children, yet remain excluded from many supports, resources, and decisions. The Donnell-Kay Foundation is working to change that by building inclusion, breaking down barriers, and ensuring caregivers have what they need so that every child has a strong foundation for the future.

Our Approach:  

  • Elevating Voices: We partner with FFN caregivers to ensure they are included in decision-making and recognized as essential early childhood professionals.
  • Expanding Access: We remove barriers to food, nutrition, and financial support so that caregivers can focus on what matters most, nurturing children’s healthy growth and development.
  • Shaping Policy: As trusted advisors, we collaborate with state leaders and national partners to advance policies and programs that support caregivers and the children they serve.
  • Building Community: We bring together caregivers, organizations, and community members through convenings, webinars, and partnerships to strengthen FFN care and create lasting connections.

Archives

Miguel In Suk Lovato
We Can’t Build Our Way Out of Colorado’s Child Care Crisis
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We Can’t Build Our Way Out of Colorado’s Child Care Crisis
Miguel In Suk Lovato
Finally at the Table: Opening the Colorado Food Program to FFN Caregivers
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Finally at the Table: Opening the Colorado Food Program to FFN Caregivers
Miguel In Suk Lovato
Finalmente en la mesa: Apertura del Programa de Alimentos de Colorado a las cuidadoras FFN
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Finalmente en la mesa: Apertura del Programa de Alimentos de Colorado a las cuidadoras FFN
Taber Ward
Research Report Release!
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Research Report Release!
Guest Author
From Tokenism to Partnership: How FFN Caregivers are Shaping Child Care Support in Colorado
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From Tokenism to Partnership: How FFN Caregivers are Shaping Child Care Support in Colorado
Taber Ward | Miguel In Suk Lovato
Feeding Injustice: How Colorado Fails our Youngest Kids by Denying Food Benefits
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Feeding Injustice: How Colorado Fails our Youngest Kids by Denying Food Benefits
Miguel In Suk Lovato
Colorado Must Do a Better Job of Supporting Family, Friend, and Neighbor Early Childhood Caregivers
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Colorado Must Do a Better Job of Supporting Family, Friend, and Neighbor Early Childhood Caregivers