Childcare Is Economic Infrastructure. Here’s the Proof.

April is National Financial Capability Month—a time to spotlight the tools and knowledge that build financial independence. For women, that independence isn’t just about dollars and cents. It’s about the freedom to make choices. And in many cases, it’s about having access to care that allows working mothers to pursue opportunity in the first place.

That’s where All Our Kin comes in.

The nonprofit, which began in New Haven in 1999 and now has a national presence, has partnered with home-based early childhood educators—many of them women of color—to help them grow thriving small businesses that serve their communities. With support from the Community Fund for Women & Girls at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, All Our Kin equips these caregivers with training, mentorship, and business tools to become licensed providers, increase their income, and build careers rooted in care.

The benefit of this work is twofold. Parents—especially mothers—can rejoin the workforce with confidence, knowing that their children are receiving reliable, quality and culturally appropriate care. And educators can boost their financial stability, often raising their household income by thousands of dollars a year. For every new provider that is licensed, an estimated four to five low-income parents can return to work. That’s not just child care—it’s economic infrastructure.

The Fund’s partnership with All Our Kin goes back to its first grants to the organization in 2003. More recently, in 2023, the Fund helped All Our Kin launch a free bilingual business series that has become a core part of its programming. In 2024, over 100 educators across Connecticut and New York participated in the training. They learned everything from bookkeeping to marketing—and 96% walked away with stronger knowledge, confidence, and skills.

This work is deeply aligned with The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven’s Opportunity + Equity strategy, which focuses on inclusive economic growth. Supporting women’s entrepreneurship and financial literacy has effects that multiply, leading to stronger families, healthier communities and a more vibrant local economy.

In report after report on the work of All Our Kin, the results of this approach speak for themselves. Participants in All Our Kin’s programming earn more than their industry peers. Many pay down debt, gain advanced credentials, and reinvest in their businesses.

“The combined impact of our work results in a return on investment of $15 to $20 for every dollar that we invest in our newest educators,” says Jessica. “I believe that we can truly transform childcare in this country.”

And this model goes beyond short-term economic benefits to our region’s parents and providers. It also sets the stage for lifelong success. The most critical years for brain development are ages zero to five, and connecting our community’s children with high-quality early education positions them to enjoy better school readiness, enhanced social-emotional skills, and better long-term outcomes in life.

“Our work isn’t just about now,” says Jessica. “What we do helps create a future positive ripple effect for women and girls throughout the greater New Haven community and beyond. And the consistent funding from the Foundation has seeded extraordinary efforts and progress.”

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As we mark our Community Fund for Women & Girls’ 30th anniversary, we invite you to join us in making more possible. Every dollar you give seeds growth that multiplies—supporting local businesses, lifting families, and creating lasting change across generations.

This Financial Capability Month, invest where it counts—in women. Donate today.