At AP-OD, we believe lasting change starts in the community, and our partners bring that belief to life every single day. This month, we're proud to spotlight Cypress Hills Child Care Corporation (CHCCC) in Brooklyn, New York, and celebrate the incredible journey of Maria Rodriguez, a longtime parent, leader, and now Fiscal Manager at CHCCC.
A Trusted Community Anchor
CHCCC is more than a child care center—it’s a pillar of support for over 600 families every year. From early childhood education to family support and employment opportunities, its programs are designed to uplift families and lay the foundation for lifelong success.
But at the heart of their work is people—like Maria—who remind us that when parents grow, communities thrive.
A Full-Circle Journey
Maria first connected with CHCCC as a parent when her three children attended the Head Start program. That experience sparked something bigger: she became a volunteer, then a board member, and eventually joined the team full-time.
“CHCCC is more than just a workplace—it’s home,” Maria says. “I’m proud to be part of a team that makes such a real difference in the lives of families.”
Discovering a Fit with AP-OD
When new Head Start guidelines called for a parenting curriculum, Maria and her team searched for something that reflected their community’s culture and values.
That’s when they found AP-OD.
“Abriendo Puertas stood out because it was created by Latino parents, for Latino parents,” she shares. “We felt seen.”
Through a scholarship opportunity, Maria traveled to California to complete her facilitator training, and she’s been opening doors for families ever since.
A Place Where Parents Grow
Six years later, Maria’s workshops have more than tripled in size. Each cohort brings new stories, new growth, and new connections.
“Parents often don’t realize how much they’re already doing right,” Maria explains. “The program helps them see their own strengths and deepen their connection with their children.”
One moment that sticks with her? In a recent workshop—her first to include six fathers—one dad had a breakthrough.
“At first, he didn’t get why I had them play like children. But by the end, he told me, ‘Now I understand—my child learns through play. You taught me how to teach my son by reconnecting with my own childhood.’ That moment… it meant everything.”
Building a Village, Together
For Maria, being a facilitator goes beyond teaching—it’s about building community.
“I see parents sharing numbers, planning playdates, supporting each other. That sense of connection—it’s priceless.”
Would she recommend others become facilitators?
“Absolutely,” she says. “You grow, too. You learn from every parent’s story, culture, and perspective. It changes how you show up—not just in your work, but in your life.”
Thank you, Maria, for your heart, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to families. You embody what it means to lead with love, purpose, and comunidad. We are so proud to walk this path with you.
