Learning flourishes when rooted in the strength and support of the whole family. Catholic Charities Westside Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education and offers resources, referrals and opportunities for parents to get involved. The program emphasizes pre-reading, language, math, cognitive skills, health and social and emotional competence.
Head Start Helps a Family Navigate Complex Challenges
When Waylan and his mother, Molly, first came to Westside Head Start, they faced a busy schedule of appointments as well as medical and emotional challenges. With Waylan’s father on long-term deployment, Molly desperately needed support.
Waylan had an IEP (Individualized Education Program) that meant he needed specialized support including physical, occupational and speech therapy. Waylan’s younger brother, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), also needed support.
A Mom Deeply Invested in Her Sons’ Success
Despite the load she was carrying, Molly remained a strong advocate for her sons. She ensured Waylan attended class unless he was sick or attending a medical appointment.
Molly’s commitment to her sons’ education allowed staff to further assist her by connecting her with resources for her younger son. This helped Molly enroll her younger son in a program for young children with ASD.
On the difficult days when Molly was struggling emotionally, she knew staff would provide a listening ear and a hug. In those moments, being seen as a mother and a person gave her strength.
Staff Encourage Meaningful Moments of Connection
On Fridays, Head Start staff and Waylan wore red in support of his dad who was deployed. Molly would take pictures to send to Waylan’s dad. Staff also asked his dad to send photos of his construction projects on base so that Waylan could feel involved.
These small but special moments helped Waylan feel connected to his dad and cope with the distance in a fun and engaging way. Interactions like these showed Molly that staff, including Jennie Hirsch, genuinely wanted her and her sons to succeed.
“[Miss Jennie] has a special way of connecting with each child, and she helped my son build confidence, learn new skills and actually get excited about learning. She didn’t just teach him—she believed in him, and that meant everything.”
Entering Kindergarten with Confidence and Independence
Westside Head Start worked diligently with Molly and Waylan’s therapists as he approached kindergarten. At the end of his time in Head Start, he was released from the IEP and no longer needed therapeutic support. Now, Waylan is thriving and reading above his grade level.
“That kind of progress speaks volumes about the care and dedication poured into these kids every single day,” said Molly.
“He participates eagerly, excelling in some areas, and walks into school with confidence and independence. It’s clear that Westside Head Start gave him the strong, joyful foundation he needed to succeed,” Molly added.
Hope for a Bright Future
With Waylan’s dad now back from deployment, the family is whole again and stronger than ever. Waylan’s younger brother is doing well in his program and experiencing improvement in his health.
Over the past two years, the Westside Head Start team has had the privilege of watching this family grow. Alongside education and resources, Molly and her sons found something even more meaningful—a community that believed in them every step of the way.
*Names changed to protect client privacy
