GALLERY

Milestone Achievements: ECF Graduates Pioneering New Frontiers in Caregiving
ECF Caregivers Support Program™ Graduating Class

In an inspiring culmination of dedication and learning, 22 individuals have recently graduated from ECF Caregivers Support Program™, a comprehensive 16-week initiative designed to empower caregivers with a wide array of crucial skills. This diverse group of graduates hail from the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, New Jersey, and New York (Queens and Long), bringing a rich variety of backgrounds and experiences to the table, which enriched the learning experience for all involved.

Gallery Graduation Pic - 2

The Disturbing Reality

  • “Non-Hispanic Blacks/African Americans have 2.4 times the infant mortality”Office of Minority Health (2022)
  • “In mathematics…  [among early adolescence, there was a] 13-point score decrease among Black students…in 2023.”The Nation’s Report Card (n.d.)
  • “Nearly all of the Black-White reading gap and over 80 percent of the Black-White math gap at the beginning kindergarten can be explained by differences in socioeconomic status and observed family background characteristics”US Department of Treasury (2023
  • “Estimates for … diagnosis among children aged 3-17 years, in 2016-19 [were] ADHD 9.8% (approximately 6.0 million), anxiety 9.4% (approximately 5.8 million), behavior problems 8.9% (approximately 5.5 million), and depression 4.4% (approximately 2.7 million).”CDC (2023)
  • “… among Black students, those who were suspended for a minor infraction during the first year of the study had significantly lower grades both one and two years later than students who weren’t suspended.” American Psychological Association (2021)

References
https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/infant-mortality-and-african-americans
https://home.treasury.gov/news/featured-stories/post-5-racial-differences-in-educational-experiences-and-attainment
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2021/10/black-students-harsh-discipline
https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/highlights/ltt/2023/
https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html

References
https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/infant-mortality-and-african-americans
https://home.treasury.gov/news/featured-stories/post-5-racial-differences-in-educational-experiences-and-attainment
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2021/10/black-students-harsh-discipline
https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/highlights/ltt/2023/
https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html

ECF Training and Research Institute meticulously organized this training program to address every facet of childcare, ensuring that graduates are not only proficient in fundamental caregiving skills but are also well-versed in specialized areas critical to child development and safety.  Over the course of the program, participants delved deep into topics such as child development, nutrition, and safety, gaining insights that are immediately applicable and immensely beneficial in their daily caregiving roles.  ECF’s program also provided extensive training on developing and nurturing relationships with parents and guardians, which is crucial for creating a supportive and understanding environment for the children.

ECF Graduation 2024- Pic 4

ECF Caregivers Support Program™’s  inaugural graduation ceremony was held on June 27, 2024 with Dr. M. M. Mullings and Dr. C. M. Brown serving as the masters of ceremony.  Drs. Mullings and Brown delivered powerful and uplifting messages that resonated deeply with both graduates and attendees. Their speeches underscored the significance of perseverance, innovation, and gratitude, inspiring the new graduates to face future challenges with optimism. The compelling narratives shared by the speakers not only celebrated the accomplishments of the students but also motivated everyone present to strive for excellence in their own endeavors.

The impact of our caregivers’ support program was profound. Graduates emerge with a heightened understanding of the physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of children, enabling them to foster environments where children can thrive. The emphasis on nutrition and safety informed caregivers on how to handle emergencies and maintain healthy routines, while lessons in communication and relationship-building equip them to manage and resolve conflicts effectively, ensuring a cohesive and supportive atmosphere. 

ECF’s 2024 graduation ceremony was a heartfelt showcase of the hard work and commitment demonstrated by each learner. It featured testimonials from several graduates who shared moving stories about how the program has transformed their approach to caregiving.  Please view and listen to our graduates directly here:

The success of ECF Caregivers Support Program™ highlights the undeniable value of investing in specialized training for caregivers. As our 22 graduates return to their respective communities, they carry with them the knowledge and skills that will ripple outwards, positively affecting the lives of countless children and families. ECF Caregivers Support Program™ not only elevates the standard of childcare but also underscores the importance of professional development in nurturing the caregivers who shape our future generations. This initiative is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of education in transforming lives and strengthening communities.

ECF Caregivers Support Program™ summary video:

On behalf of Elite Community Foundation’s executive board, we extend a heartfelt thanks to our ETRI partners, instructors, technical support team, and ECF donors for their invaluable contributions to the success of ECF Caregivers Support Program™. Our instructors deserve immense gratitude for their dedication and passion in sharing their knowledge, which has been instrumental in developing the skills and confidence of our learners. The technical support team’s behind-the-scenes efforts ensured a seamless and effective learning environment, solving problems with efficiency and expertise. Also, the generous support from our ECF donors has been crucial, providing the backbone for this initiative and enabling us to make a significant positive impact on the lives of caregivers and the children they nurture. As we look to the future ECF Caregivers Support Program™ 2025, we urgently call upon our community to lend their support to continue and expand this vital initiative. Whether it’s through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading the word, every bit of support counts. Your support has been vital in the success of our program, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support and commitment in actualizing ECF Caregivers Support Program™ Graduating class of 2024. With increased funding and resources, we can extend our reach. Together, we can build a legacy of well-informed, skilled caregivers who play a crucial role in shaping the developmental journey of young lives. See our efforts to expand this critical program, please support ECF: https://gofund.me/06e5a826

ECF Caregivers Support Program™ 2024 Graduates

Alexi Barrett 2
Alexi
Alicia English Pic
Alicia
Angella Gordon 2
Angella
Ann Marie Johnson Pic 2
Ann Marie
Jeanne White 2
Jeneane
Melissa Burton Pic - final 2
Melissa B.
Chinonyerem Anyadike 2
Chinonyerem
Jessica Pic - final
Jessica
Kayon Johnson Pic 2
Kayon
Keisha Dunkley 3
Keisha
Kimberly Julye Pic 3
Kimberly
Sadie Muirhead 2
Sadie
Tia Rainford 2
Tia
Patricia Wallace Burford
Patricia
Shanda Levy pic 2
Shanda
Sasha Gaye Ricketts 2
Sasha
Shanay Thompson pic 2
Shanay
Taniesa Lawrence
Taneisa
Olecia Edwards - pic 2
Olecia
Tanesha
Tanesha
Melissa N.
Melissa N.
Marissa
Marissa