Seattle’s Child is proud to partner with the state Department of Children, Youth and Families Strengthening Families Washington to honor outstanding caregivers doing important work on behalf of children.
All month long, we’ll introduce you to Unsung Heroes from around the state: biological parents, grandparents, foster and adoptive parents. Some volunteer at local schools; some have started nonprofits; some mentor others in their communities. Enjoy their stories.
Sandy Fung, Seattle
Sandy is an inspiring caregiver who attends our Kaleidoscope Play and Learn (KP&L), and the Childcare Health Consultation program at CISC. Sandy exemplifies for us what it means to be an Unsung Hero in our community, particularly during COVID-19.
As a primary caregiver to two young grandsons, one in preschool and one at school, Sandy takes care of her grandchildren while her son and daughter-in-law, both essential workers, go to work. At the start of the pandemic, Sandy, an essential grocery worker herself, was doing shift work in the evenings while taking care of her grandsons during the day, as well as preparing meals for the family. Sandy is also the primary caregiver to her husband. Recently, she left her grocery job so she could pick up and drop off her grandson at school.
Always with smile on her face, determination and resilience, Sandy makes sure to be at the programs, and encourages and empowers other caregivers that they can get through these times together. As a senior with limited English, Sandy had to overcome significant technological, cultural and language barriers to attend CISC programs virtually and parent meetings.
Sandy is also a community advocate. Sandy speaks to funders and lawmakers about the importance of culturally and linguistically responsive early-learning programs that have helped her and her family. This year, Sandy presented to legislators on the importance of KP&L. Her participation helped to include KP&L in the Fair Starts for Kids bill. Sandy is truly an Unsung Hero!
Nominator: Chinese Information and Service Center
More Unsung Heroes:
Katie Biron: a passion for healing families, building community
Erica Knapp of Arlington advocates for all, even when she is met with pushback
Ryan Eldred keeps his kids safe and loved, even in tough times
