Success Stories

Client – Ana Schenk

Program – Parenting Class
Location – Antioch

Ana Schenk moved to Antioch from Peru ten years ago to live closer to her husband’s family in the Bay Area.  As an only daughter, she missed her family, but she was determined to learn the ways of her new homeland and spent her time studying English. When she had her children, Mark (now 6) and Giselle (now 3), she stayed at home with them, but she didn’t know many people, had few friends, and felt estranged, isolated, and lonely.  She was confused about how to be a good parent.  She longed for someone to talk to for advice about how to raise her children in the best possible way.

A year and a half ago, someone told Ana about a parenting class at Antioch’s new First 5 Center, run by Brighter Beginnings.  In 2006, the Center moved to a new building on West 5th Street, recently purchased by Brighter Beginnings with funding from First 5 Contra Costa.

“When I first came to the Center, I didn’t understand how to guide my children.  Sometimes I would complain about them, but I learned how to listen, to pay attention, and to talk to them.  At first it was hard, but now it is easy.”

“I learned a lot,” said Ana. “I went to all the classes, and every class was different.  After I took the parenting class (‘Dare to Be You’, offered in English and Spanish and coordinated by the Family Stress Center); I went to ‘Cookies and Crafts,’ ‘Music Together,’ ‘TIGO’ (Transition to Kindergarten Kit, preparing kids for school by learning about colors and shapes), ‘Zoophonics (coordinated by Gloria Hartsough) and classes on nutrition, diabetes, and dental hygiene.”  “Dare to Be You” is offered in twelve weekly sessions with the main themes of Self-Esteem, Communication, Responsibility and Decision-Making.  Parents attending all twelve sessions receive a $100 gift certificate.

Mark particularly liked the music classes.  “It’s a beautiful program.  He still listens to the music in the car.  He also loves the dancing class and Zoophonics.”  Zoophonics teaches the alphabet with hand signals and sounds matched with specific animals, such as alligator, bear, cat, deer and elephant.

The Center served over 300 families in the last two years, according to Mary Rocha, the Center’s Coordinator.  Mary helps decide which programs to offer with the help of an Advisory Board and surveys conducted in the community.  Family Advocate Angie Leonor is the Center’s heart beat.  Her own background leads to her intelligent, sensitive and nurturing approach.  She teaches parenting classes in Spanish at the Center and in local elementary schools and has become a surrogate “mom” and wise counselor to many parents and children. 

Her whole life has come full circle now, as she started her career in Mexico as a school principal, teacher and counselor with a Master’s Degree.  When her family moved to the United States, she took a job at MacDonald’s because her credentials were not recognized.  Because a friend encouraged her to apply for a job at a local community organization working with families, she recreated herself as a Family Advocate helping teen parents stay in school and improve their lives.  Now as she focuses on the parents and their children under five, she relishes the chance to use all her life’s experience.  “This is why I am so dedicated to the parents.  I want to put the seed in their hearts and minds that they can progress.  When I see ‘stars in their heads,’ I know they can do what they want.  Because someone gave me the opportunity, I always look for opportunities for other people.”

When Ana met Angie and Mary, she says that her life changed a lot.  Her father recently came to visit from Peru, and he saw the difference in her.  “He said I was more mature, secure, calm, and more sure about what I want in life.  Now, when I meet another mother with kids, I send her here.  I tell her they can show you how to guide your life.  If you are tired and stressed, you can relax and enjoy the company.  You can learn and share with your children and with new friends.  I love it because I have my kids with me, and we all keep learning.  This is the place!  I don’t want to leave here.”