Care When a Family Needed It Most
By Eric Steckel | March 26, 2026
With reading and math tutoring, Spanish-language updates, and FamilyBridge support, Alejandra’s family stayed informed, supported, and hopeful.
You make Alejandra’s Circle of Care possible — tutoring, encouragement, and family support that help Alejandra keep moving forward.
When Astrid Fernandez got a message in Spanish about her fourth-grade daughter Alejandra’s progress, she felt something she hadn’t had in a while: relief.
Astrid’s family moved from Petaluma to Oakland, so their young son could receive medical care. The transition brought new pressure for everyone—especially Alejandra, who had to adjust to a new school. Although Alejandra was significantly behind in reading and math skills when she arrived, she has begun to find her footing, including a couple of close friends. She also receives reading and math tutoring from Children Rising.
That steady connection is Children Rising’s Circle of Care: school, tutoring, and family support working together so a student doesn’t have to struggle alone.
“Alejandra is making great progress,” said Jim MacIlvaine, Children Rising’s on-site reading program coordinator. “She is always eager to attend tutoring, ready to learn. Her favorite part of tutoring is working with her tutor, Andie, and she takes great pride in learning new words and progressing in reading.”
“I didn’t always know what was happening at school—you help me understand how she’s doing.”
For Astrid, the consistent communication has mattered as much as the tutoring. Before, she worried Alejandra wasn’t getting the support she needed while the family focused on her brother’s recovery. Now, she receives regular updates about what Alejandra is learning and how she’s progressing. “When Alejandra is learning and happy, I am happy,” Astrid said.
When Astrid reached out to Tai at FamilyBridge about learning English, she wasn’t just looking for classes — she was looking for a way to better advocate for her daughter and stay connected to her learning. FamilyBridge shared updates in Spanish and connected Astrid to adult ESL options so she can feel more confident supporting Alejandra’s learning.
At home, Alejandra’s dad helps with homework—one more way the family is working together to support both children through a demanding season. In the Circle of Care, the child isn’t the only one supported. The family is, too, so even in a season of pressure and change, parents can feel informed and empowered, and students like Alejandra can keep moving forward, one new skill at a time.
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* Children Rising respects the privacy of our students. While all the stories we share are genuine and true, we change names and images as needed to protect student privacy.