Seattleās Child is proud to partner with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families Strengthening Families Washington program to honor outstanding caregivers doing important work on behalf of children. Throughout February, weāll 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 2025ās Unsung Heroes.Ā
Heather Wertz, Hoquiam
I am delighted to nominate Heather Wertz and her family for the Unsung Hero award.
Heather Wertz and her partner have come a long way. Heather enrolled in our Parents as Teachers Program back in 2019 with her first son. She shared about her struggles during pregnancy and decided to accept the help that was offered and enrolled in our program. She also adapted to the challenges COVID gave us and used technology for communication. The family graduated from Parents as Teachers in 2021. She asked if she could re-enroll in our Parents as Teachers program a few months after she had her twins, a girl and a boy.
She mentioned theyād benefit again from enrolling because they noticed the growth they had with their first boy. Both she and her partner continue to show excitement, joy and satisfaction in guiding their childrenās life during their most important stages of development. They have managed to work as a team after having a 4-year-old who has some learning disabilities ā and twins.
They continue to demonstrate the importance of developing their bond with their children by playing, reading, talking and allowing them to explore new learning opportunities. Another success is that Heather Wertz has been managing her anxiety and has been attending play groups and other community events whereas before it was difficult to do. She has shared how much our Parents as Teachers program has given her confidence and that together with her parent educator she is doing great work.
ā Nominator: Marisela Martine
NOTE: Seattleās Child is running these stories unedited, as written by the people who nominated them, in keeping with the DCYF Unsung Hero process.