In this blog series, we profile people who have found fulfilling careers with Upbring (be sure to check out Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3!). Their stories illustrate the many ways people can contribute to our life-changing programs and services to empower children and advance child wellbeing.
Individually motivated and collectively committed to breaking the cycle of child abuse in Texas, the Upbring Family sets the stage for our core values: We are Warriors. We are Servants. We are Family.
We asked Wendy, Rogelio and David what the Upbring mission means to them. Here’s what they said!
Wendy: Overcoming the Odds
Like many Upbring employees, Wendy Kauffman brings personal experience to her role as Regional Director, Upbring Head Start – South Ft. Worth.
“Serving at Upbring Head Start Preschools allows me to advocate for families and educate parents in setting the building blocks of educational success for children to become lifelong learners. I understand firsthand the importance of early intervention because I was not supported with early intervention strategies to experience success in an academic setting. For years, my disability went undetected, as I wasn’t diagnosed with dyslexia until the age of 14.
It was determined I would never be able to write coherent letters or documentation, and the probability of me attending college and earning a degree was slim to none. My parents lost hope for me to thrive in the classroom due to the results of that evaluation.
Because I did not let my disability define me, I now hold a BA in Child Development and Family Studies. To some people this might not mean much; however, to me this sheet of paper means HOPE! My personal experience allows me to cling to hope in the continued screenings and assessments utilized in the Head Start program. These tools assist Upbring with identifying high-risk students who can benefit from accommodations and related wraparound services.
Head Start provides a safe, nurturing, environment for our children to learn, grow and thrive. The students we serve experience hardships such as disabilities, food insecurities and dysregulated emotional behavior. All of these hardships are addressed daily in our Head Start classrooms. Our Upbring Warriors work hard to help fill the learning gaps and elevate the learning level of each student and family enrolled in our program.”
Rogelio: Lessons in Resilience
Rogelio De La Cerda, Jr., LCCA, is the Associate Executive Director of Upbring Children’s Shelters, operated in partnership with the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). These programs provide safety, stability and wraparound services to children who have crossed the Southern border without a parent or guardian.
“My 35-year tenure working with unaccompanied children has taught me about resiliency. These children travel thousands of miles, many by walking or hopping on a train through Mexico (known as ‘La Bestia’- The Beast), trying to reach the U.S.-Mexican border in hopes of reunifying with a family member and starting a new life.
During their journey, many of these children experience trauma that a child should never have to endure. Yet, they can be so strong and have amazing coping abilities. When I am presented with tough obstacles or extreme challenges, I think about these children and what they have gone through. They provide me with strength and motivate me to get through the tough times; they teach me to be resilient.
It is an honor to work alongside such dedicated and devoted staff that provide a nurturing, safe environment for the children placed in our programs. It has been a joy being part of a great team that believes in and works hard to end the cycle of child abuse.”
David: Helping the Heroes
As Director of People Relations & Culture, David Dean oversees the internal programs and services that make Upbring a welcoming, fulfilling place to work.
“There have been many times in the past six years that have provided me with either joy or motivation to provide the best for our Upbring Warriors, who are ultimately providing the best service for our youth. But I remember one situation that solidified my decision to come to Upbring, back in October 2018 when I first visited the New Life Children’s Center campus in Canyon Lake.
As I toured the cottages, the then-Executive Director told me about the program’s mission and the staff’s roles. In addition, I learned about some of the girls’ stories and the great work that was happening at New Life. We visited a special cottage designated for girls who were transitioning out of New Life. It was decorated with inspirational messages that the girls would leave for others to see and to be motivated by.
One particular message struck a chord with me and still does to this day: I am thankful for my struggle because without it, I would not have stumbled upon my strength. These words were painted on the wall by a young lady who had experienced things that no human should have to. But through it all, she found her strength and was able to face life and keep moving.
This demonstrated to me that the staff at New Life were doing excellent work and that if I could help them in any way, I needed to so that they could continue to provide support to these young ladies. That’s why it’s such an honor to be in this role, supporting the Upbring Warriors who make our programs and services—and our impact on children and families—possible.”
See Yourself at Upbring
At Upbring, we are committed to breaking the generational cycle of child abuse. Our innovative programs and services make a tangible difference for Texas children and families, every single day.
This work wouldn’t be possible without our people, which is why employee wellbeing is as important to our mission as child wellbeing.
Want to join the team? Learn more about life at Upbring and view open positions at upbring.org/careers.