For the past 20 months, now three-year-old Milán has been a participant in Venice Family Clinic’s Early Head Start (EHS) program, which provides developmental education and enrichment for infants, toddlers and their families. On the day of Milán’s graduation, his mother, Fabiola, wrote to EHS to reflect on her son’s growth and what the program has meant to her and her family. Here’s what she had to say.
May 16, 2026
To the Venice Family Clinic Early Head Start Program,
As my son Milán graduates today, I find myself reflecting with deep emotion and overwhelming gratitude on the journey we’ve had these past 20 months. This letter is not only a thank you, but a testament to the life-changing impact your program has had on our family.
As a single mother, student, and someone striving to build a strong foundation for her children, this path has never been easy. But with the support of Venice Family Clinic Early Head Start, it has been filled with hope, consistency and unwavering support. From daily care to weekly therapies, your program has been a true blessing in our lives.
Milan’s autism diagnosis was a moment that turned our world upside down. But it was your team that helped us see the signs early. Thanks to the early intervention support we received, we were able to begin therapies quickly and pour into Milan with everything we had.
To Ms. Marin, thank you for your patience and for always believing in Milan’s behavior and growth. To Ms. Xiomara, thank you for standing by us with unconditional love and encouragement – you never stopped believing in his potential. To Ms. Fani, who constantly advocated for Milan’s best interests, and who continues to help us transition to his next school – your advocacy has meant the world. And to Ms. Neal, working quietly behind the scenes to make sure every child’s needs are met, thank you. It truly took a village, and because of you, I was able to continue and complete my undergraduate education while raising two children.
Now, more than ever, we must continue to fight for the survival and expansion of programs like Venice Family Clinic Early Head Start. With federal funding cuts to Head Start and similar early childhood initiatives, it’s critical that we uplift the success stories and real impact these programs have on families like mine.
As a single mother and student, I have thrived because of this program – not in spite of my circumstances, but because a system like yours chose to invest in us. It is my hope that our story can serve as a reminder of why this support must continue, and grow, not shrink.
With love and immense gratitude,
Fabiola