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. Throughout February, 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 the stories of 2025’s Unsung Heroes.
Jessica Cook, Colbert
I met Jessica Cook about 10 years ago when she enrolled her children in my preschool.
She was a student and was aware of the example she was setting for her children to follow their dreams and work hard. She chose to enroll her children in a child care center that she knew would provide them with a nurturing, safe environment to learn. Jessica understood that while she had a broad knowledge of child development, she also wanted to expose her children to teachers that knew just how important social emotional development was for her children.
While Jessica and her husband, Jason, had limited family around to support them, they made sure to surround themselves with many friends that were also going through the trials of parenting. Her system of friends knew her children and family well. They were reliable and supportive. They offered positive interactions for the entire family.
Through the years, I have watched Jessica go through some incredibly difficult times with her son. The challenges she faced could have wrecked any parent.
Instead of allowing it to get her down, she has continued to research the best therapists, doctors and supports to help her son. At the same time, Jessica followed through in making sure that she, her husband and her daughter were also getting the support they needed to deal with the trauma their family has experienced.
This is why I am nominating Jessica Cook for the Unsung Hero Award.
— Nominator: Leanne Dixon
NOTE: Seattle’s Child is running these stories unedited, as written by the people who nominated them, in keeping with the DCYF Unsung Hero process.
More Unsung Heroes:
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