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 2024’s unsung heroes.
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.
Teniel Sabin, Kent
Teniel is a single mom of four, including one neurodivergent child with complex behavioral and emotional needs. During Covid, she created her own business for training and consulting so that she could care for her children.
When her child with special needs was struggling at school, she made the difficult decision to homeschool him while also managing her business, which has now evolved into a community-based organization. She is active in the Latino community, providing support for many children, families, and educators, who she hopes to receive support and learn from her experiences.
She has tried to become an expert and advocate for the needs of her son and other children, and shares this through social media, focusing on promoting self-care and mental health.
— Vanessa Flores
More Unsung Heroes:
A loving, resilient mom giving it all
A new mom helping other new moms
Fighting child abuse with a passion
