February is Parent Recognition Month. Strengthening Families Washington, of the Department of Early Learning for Washington State, believes there is no better way to recognize a parent, grandparent, foster or adoptive parent than by acknowledging the numerous and impressive things they do to strengthen their family and those around them in their community.
Seattle's Child is proud to sponsor the Washington Unsung Hero Awards, recognizing our everyday heroes and honoring the important role caregivers play in children's lives. There are 28 nominees for the 28 days of February, and Seattle's Child will highlight each and every one.
Congratulations to the Unsung Hero for February 18
Yvonne Persa – Olympia
I have seen Yvonne at church with her family every Sunday. Her middle son has autism. During the service he screams while everyone is looking at them and Yvonne takes care of him. She hugs him with love and tender care. We are able to see the relationship that they have and the communication that happens among them without words. Frank can't speak so Yvonne has to be able to know what he wants to meet is needs. Frank also suffers seizures. A few years ago he was in the hospital for almost four months. Yvonne had to take care of him for that time and had to take care of her other two children at the same time.
Yvonne's husband is in the army so he is often gone for days, weeks or months at a time. In those days she is a single parent and gets help from the other two children. Even when she is so busy at home taking care of their three children she has the energy to work and be present for Frank while they are together. I feel that Yvonne has made a very safe place for Frank everywhere they go. She said the most challenging part of taking care of her son is that he does not talk. For me, looking at them, they have the perfect communication without words.
Nominator: Fatima Gonzalez
