Transforming Futures—One Family at a Time

When Ruth enrolled in A Stepping Stone Foundation’s LEAF Program in 2012, she couldn’t speak English and struggled with literacy and parenting. She committed to 32 hours of adult education, while her son David began preschool. Nine months later, they both completed the program—and Ruth returned the next year with her daughter, Alitzel. Families who stay multiple years often experience the most powerful transformation.

By 2018, Ruth enrolled her youngest, Axel. As he learned in preschool, Ruth attended English classes, parenting workshops, and supported in the classroom—now serving as a role model for new families.

Throughout their time in LEAF, monthly home visits built trust, reinforced learning, and helped the family set and reach goals together. By the end of the year, Ruth spoke English fluently, improved her parenting, and had even earned U.S. citizenship.

Her children entered kindergarten confident and prepared—speaking English, expressing emotions, and thriving socially. Through her own growth, Ruth changed the trajectory of her family. This is the promise of two-generation education.

When Vanessa started preschool at a Stepping Stone classroom in 1990, she spoke no English and was at high risk of never completing high school. She was the only Asian preschooler in her class. Her family was admitted to the program because they showed a clear need for literacy services.

Each day, four days a week, Vanessa joined a high-quality preschool class while her mom attended parenting, reading, and English classes down the hall. Every month, her teacher visited their home to help her mother become her first and most important teacher.

As the school year progressed, so did Vanessa. She started understanding and speaking English, learning letter sounds, and gaining the confidence she needed to thrive. And her mom was right there with her — growing, learning, and preparing to support her daughter’s educational journey.

Nineteen years later, Vanessa graduated high school with honors and received a full-ride scholarship to Arizona State University. As a former Stepping Stone preschooler, she qualified for the Billie Gannaway Memorial Scholarship, which helped cover books and other expenses.

Today, Vanessa is a student at the University of Arizona Medical School. She volunteers at fundraising events and continues to give back to the community that supported her. Her family still lives in the Valley of the Sun.

When Josie joined the family literacy classroom at Isaac Preschool, her daughter was just beginning her preschool journey—and so was she. As part of the program, Josie committed to attending adult education classes while her daughter learned in the preschool classroom next door.

At the time, Josie described her family as surviving day by day without goals or a clear path forward. She was starting over with a new family, unsure how to navigate parenting, marriage, or planning for the future. But during “Parent Time,” she learned something powerful: she could set goals—and reach them.

Josie entered GED classes reading at a third-grade level. Four years later, she earned her Associate Degree in Child Care Administration and a nationally recognized Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. She didn’t stop there—she kept going, eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and becoming a kindergarten teacher.

More importantly, the transformation didn’t stop with her. Josie’s children now grow up surrounded by books and educational support. She volunteers in their classrooms, maintains close relationships with their teachers, and continues to model the power of persistence and education. She says, “I never participated in school with my older children, and they didn’t get much out of their education. But now? We have books all over the house. My children actually sit down and read them.”

Today, Josie is still in the classroom—this time as a teacher. She earned her Bachelor’s degree, pursued her Master’s in Education, and worked as a kindergarten educator in the very community where her own transformation began. And she continues giving back—through her work, her civic engagement, and her gratitude for the support she received.

Stepping Stone Foundation’s family literacy style preschool touches two generations at once. While our preschoolers are in session, the parents are attending their own classes to help them with their own literacy and to be their child’s best first teacher. This success story is best told in one mom’s own words:

I was a parent in the Stepping Stone Foundation classroom at Isaac Preschool … my daughter was a student (there). As part of the program, I made a commitment to participate in the family literacy program, and thanks to that our family has a second chance in life.

Our family had no goals; we had no future and were living day by day without a plan. I was an older parent starting all over again with a new family and I did not know how to care for them or how to manage a marriage. In Parent Time I learned that I could do anything I put my mind to. I also learned to set reasonable goals for my family and myself. I started GED classes with a third grade level in 1999 and in May of 2003 I received an Associate in Applied Science in Child Care Administration, and a CDA (Child Development Associate) and I am still working towards by Bachelors. My self-esteem has become a part of who I am. I take reasonable challenges and always strive to do the best for my children’s education. I try to volunteer in my children’s classrooms as much as possible and make regular visits with their teachers just to let them know that I am interested in what’s going on. I never participated in school with my other children and they did not get much out of their education. But now we have books all over our house and my children actually sit down and read them. I actually voted in our last presidential election.

My husband and I donate blood, and we visit the library often. We try to give back by making donations of clothing to Interfaith Shelter … I am giving back to my community by working at Isaac Preschool. I was employed this year in February as an Instructional Assistant, and now I will help others to succeed by applying my experience and education in teaching children and parents skills needed in life. I would like to thank you all for being supportive to Isaac Preschool Family literacy Program because it does make a difference.”

Josie, August 2003

Josie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and currently teaches kindergarten in Phoenix. She is on track to finish her Masters Degree in Education by 2010.