Investing in Thriving Children
United Way's Secure Start Initiative provides educators and caregivers with an eight-week course that builds strong emotional and social foundations for children.
Tabari's journey from participant to facilitator in the Secure Start Initiative shows its transformational power. His advocacy reflects a belief that empowering one life creates ripples across families, communities, and futures.
"It starts wti the family, with the parents. That's your first teacher, that's your first friend. That's the first person you might say I love you to. That's everything, the first one."
In 2025, the program expanded to include New Haven School Readiness Educators and Providers, extending support into classrooms. This year, 204 participants impacted nearly 1,200 children.