Lee Rappaport

Putting Kids First: helping at risk children worldwide

Posted by: lrappaport on February 26, 2010

Putting Kids First: helping at-risk children worldwide
As part of Cultural Care Au Pair’s mission to break down barriers of culture and language through educational exchange, a group of local childcare coordinators and staff recently visited South Africa to see firsthand the difference the donations from the Cultural Care community have made through our charitable organization Kids First.

Since it’s inception in 2004, Kids First has supported many worldwide organizations that work with at-risk youth. From the daycare center in Brazil to the school library in New Orleans to an orphanage in Russia, Kids First has supported a wide range of global organizations. Our most recent work at an orphanage and daycare center in a poverty-stricken township outside Capetown, South Africa is another great example of the work we are doing worldwide.

Cultural Care staff and LCCs had an opportunity to visit several projects funded through CHOSA, an organization that Kids First supports. CHOSA provides support to programs that work with at-risk children and their families to provide nutrition, medication, clothing, food, shelter and an education.

During the service visit, those who participated had a chance to visit the Ubuhle Babantwana Care Center, which helps 150 children, some of whom are HIV positive. Donations received from au pairs, host families and Cultural Care LCCs and staff have provided funds for the building of a new structure for the infants and toddlers in the center. The group from Cultural Care Au Pair had an opportunity to see the new structure, meet the inspirational director and dedicated teachers and had some time to play with the children.

In addition, the group visited the Ilitha-Labantwana Place of Safety, the Philani Child Health and Nutrition Project, the Emasithandane Children’s Project and the Baphumulele Children’s Home. The Cultural Care team is now bringing their experience back to the U.S. to raise awareness, and additional funds for even more projects that Kids First supports.

“Our Kids First trip to Cape Town was truly amazing and inspiring,” says Local Childcare Coordinator Trudy Mar. “The work, effort, love and sacrifice the women heading up these projects give to all of the kids goes well beyond what most of us could imagine. If one little body sleeps better, eats better and smiles more, we’ve helped to change their future and make the world a better place. Every dollar we raise for Kids First definitely does make a difference.”

For information about how you can make a contribution to Kids First, or raise awareness for the programs it supports, visit http://www.culturalcare.com/aboutus/kidsfirst/ or contact your Local Childcare Coordinator.

PiNkBeRrY KiDs FiRsT EvEnT

Posted by: lrappaport on July 20, 2009

Photos from the July 2nd Pinkberry Kids First Event.

The coolest place to be is PINKBERRY on July 2nd—15% proceeds to KIDS FIRST!

Posted by: lrappaport on June 27, 2009

KIDS FIRST COUPON for PINKBERRY in Brentwood

PRINT OUT THE COUPON & PLEASE BRING TO THE BRENTWOOD STORE at 11711 Gorham Avenue, L.A. 90049 ON THURSDAY, JULY 2nd.  My AU PAIR GROUP WILL BE THERE FROM 4-10 p.m.  We’ll have balloons for the kids, a flag coloring contest, a super children’s CD to purchase and more!  WHAT A GREAT WAY TO START OFF THE 4th of JULY HOLIDAY WEEKEND WITH TASTY YOGURT & YUMMY TOPPINGS.

The best thing is that 15% of the sales generated from host families, au pairs, friends of JEN’S LIST, City Mommy families & supporters of Cultural Care Au Pair will be contributing to KIDS FIRST….making a difference in the lives of children in Brazil, Russia, South Africa and New Orleans.