In a small room inside Cairo Junior High School, shelves lined with diapers, wipes, and baby supplies tell a story of quiet but powerful support. What may look like simple storage is, in reality, a lifeline for families navigating one of life’s most important and challenging journeys. This is the home of Cairo’s Parents as Teachers program, a service that has been strengthening families and shaping futures in the community for more than a decade.

The program first came to Cairo in 2011 under the leadership of supervisor Erica Brazier, who helped establish its foundation and bring its services to local families. In 2016, parent educator Shataka Jane Jangjirawat joined the team, expanding its reach and deepening its impact. Together, they serve families from pregnancy through a child’s third birthday, helping parents build confidence, skills, and stability during their child’s earliest years.

“We serve prenatal to three-year-old children,” Brazier explained, noting that the program’s focus begins even before a child is born. But the work extends beyond the child alone. “We serve the entire family. The whole goal is to help remove any barriers in the family to help them be the best parents that they can be,” she said.

Families often enter the program during pregnancy, a time filled with both excitement and uncertainty. Brazier and Jangjirawat begin visiting regularly, meeting parents wherever they feel most comfortable. “We meet them where they are,” Jangjirawat said. “If they’re at a shelter, we go to the shelter. If they want to come here, they come here. Wherever the family is comfortable, that’s where we go.” That flexibility allows families to receive support in a way that respects their circumstances and builds trust.

During these visits, parents receive guidance on pregnancy health, preparing for childbirth, and caring for their newborn. After the baby arrives, the focus shifts to strengthening the bond between parent and child. Brazier emphasized the importance of that connection, explaining, “The parent is the first primary teacher. Evidence has shown that the stronger the bond between the child and the parent, the more the child will learn.” Through structured lessons and hands-on activities, parents learn how everyday interactions—talking, reading, and playing—help their child develop and thrive.

The program also addresses the broader needs of families, recognizing that strong parenting is supported by stable and healthy environments. “We talk about their health, their safety, their mental health, their education,” Jangjirawat said. “It’s whatever they may need. We’re there to help them.” That support may include connecting families with medical providers, housing assistance, or other essential community resources.

Sometimes, the support extends into life’s most important moments. Brazier shared that if families request it, she is willing to be present for major milestones, even childbirth. “If they want us there, we definitely will be there,” she said. That level of commitment reflects the deep relationships the program builds with families over time.

One of the most visible ways the program supports families is through its supply room, where parents can receive essential items at no cost. Diapers, wipes, bassinets, formula, and other necessities help relieve financial pressure and ensure that children have what they need. “Everything is free,” Brazier said. “We want to make sure that they’re supported.”

In addition to one-on-one visits, the program offers monthly group meetings where families come together to learn and connect. These gatherings allow parents to share experiences, build friendships, and participate in activities that strengthen their bond with their children. “We do activities where the parents and children interact,” Jangjirawat said. “It strengthens their bond.” These moments help families feel less alone and more connected to their community.

Over time, the impact of the program becomes clear. Parents grow more confident in their abilities. Children benefit from stronger developmental foundations. Families gain access to resources that help them build more stable futures. Brazier has seen firsthand how early support can shape a child’s entire life.

The program’s excellence has also been recognized at the national level. Since 2016, Cairo’s Parents as Teachers program has maintained Blue Ribbon status, a designation that reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality services. That recognition speaks not only to the program’s effectiveness, but also to the dedication of the people who make it possible.

For Brazier and Jangjirawat, the work is more than a job—it is a calling. Every visit, every conversation, and every moment of encouragement helps build stronger families and brighter futures. They understand that when parents feel supported, children have the opportunity to thrive.