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Ten days of wildfires in Los Angeles left a deep scar across the city. As communities start to come together to assess the damage, many families have been left with nothing.
Upwards is deeply rooted in Los Angeles. This is where our network started, where we have a strong presence, and where many of our team members live. We feel a profound responsibility to support our community during this time of need.
As we learn more about Angelenos affected by this catastrophe, we’d like to shed light on our community members for whom the loss of their homes also meant the loss of their business - home daycares or family childcare (FCC) homes.
On day one, Upwards launched its grassroots relief efforts to help childcare providers and families. With over 500 daycare facilities in LA impacted, we didn’t wait to hear from the providers first — we reached out immediately, offering our support to those in need.
Hundreds of requests have poured in from daycare owners who lost everything—their homes and livelihoods. And others, who despite unimaginable challenges and without electricity, kept their doors open for local families and first responders in need. We’ve rushed to help, providing essentials from drinking water and generators to evacuation assistance and temporary lodging to childcare providers and their families.
Disasters disrupt an already fragile childcare ecosystem, with families and caregivers hit the hardest. This is sadly reflected in the story of Altadena Family Daycare. In an instant, Briana Bereal, childcare owner and operator, lost everything. When her daycare burned in the Eaton Fire, her family was left homeless and without work all at once. The community also lost a beloved daycare that had been a vital support system for local families.
Like so many other providers we’ve spoken to, Briana is determined to reopen as soon as possible. Providers like her are the backbone of the Los Angeles childcare system, and their work is critical to helping families recover.
What do providers need now?
Many daycares are still buried under debris facing a long road to recovery, and many will have to rebuild from scratch. Insurance claims and disaster grants will take time to process. That’s why Upwards is committed to continuing our support. After securing longer-term accommodations, the next steps will focus on supporting cleanup, rebuilding, and restoring financial stability.
“Los Angeles is not just a city; it’s our community. It’s my home. It’s where Upwards started, and it’s where we’ll continue growing our positive impact. I am inspired by the resilience, the unity, and the love we share as a community.” — Jessica Chang, Upwards CEO and Co-Founder.
We’ve been deeply moved by the outpouring of support from our community, with many of you asking how you can help.
These childcare providers take care of our kids every day. Now, they need our help to get back on their feet.
Below is a compiled list of childcare providers affected by the California fires that could use your support in rebuilding their livelihoods. We will continue to update this list as we receive new information.
LOCAL CHILDCARE PROVIDERS IN NEED OF SUPPORT
Altadena Family Childcare - Altadena, California
Briana Bereal, a local childcare provider and mother of five lost everything except the clothes on her back in the Eaton Fire. The family is in need of basic living necessities along with funds to rebuild their home and their main source of income, Altadena Family Childcare.
Melo & Reyes Family Daycare - Altadena, California
Esperanza Melo put her entire savings into starting Melo & Reyes Family Daycare. While she and her son’s family of seven were able to escape the fire, their home did not. Esperanza dedicated her life to supporting children in her community, from learning English to writing her own curriculum. Head here to help her and her family rebuild, so she can continue doing what she loves the most – caring for the community’s children.
Sagewood Schoolhouse - Altadena, California
Lilly & Sasha Harris ran Sagewood Schoolhouse out of their Altadena home. Lilly, the head teacher, was devoted to teaching her students while Sasha had done countless projects around the house to get their house prepped for their daycare business. Now, with their house in ruins, Lilly, Sasha and their two kids could use all of the support to get them back on their feet.
Village Playgarden - Altadena, California
Since 2008, Village Playgarden has been providing childcare on the foundations of Waldorf education, nature-based experiential learning, and non-violent communication. The Eaton Fire destroyed the classrooms alongside Director Papa Geoff & Ms. Kikanza’s home. Their hope is to rebuild and expand the Village Playgarden in order to support more local families.
Do you know of a childcare provider that could use support? Reach out to relief@upwards.com
***This list will be updated as more information becomes available.
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