United In Care: Rebuilding Dreams

Home-based child care educator Nancy Jimenez

After nearly three decades of serving her community as a home-based child care provider, Nancy Jimenez’s thriving business came to a sudden halt. A devastating cancer diagnosis forced her to close her doors, sell her home, and step away from the children and families she had nurtured for 27 years.

Starting over wasn’t going to be easy. But Nancy’s resilience—and the right support at the right time—made all the difference.

When Nancy was finally well enough to return to work after three and a half years, she was determined to reopen her business and serve her community once again. That’s when she discovered United Way of Northern New Jersey’s United In Care program.

“I Googled it, made the call, and as it turned out, I qualified,” Nancy said. “It felt like it was meant to be.”

First, Nancy would have to re-stock on business supplies, but costs quickly add up. United In Care helped Nancy purchase classroom bookshelves, sleeping mats, and other critical learning tools she needed to meet New Jersey’s high-quality standards.

More than just financial support, United In Care also provided Nancy with an opportunity to reimagine her business. With access to resources, training, and cutting-edge tools, she not only rebuilt what she had lost—she elevated it to new heights.

Nancy integrated new digital tools like Playground, a mobile platform that simplifies daily attendance tracking and enhances communication with parents. The technology freed up more of her time to focus on what matters most: the children.

Today, Nancy is once again running a full, thriving child care business.

What began as a personal comeback has become a beacon for what’s possible when small businesses—especially those serving ALICE families—get the support they need.

“United Way made me feel valued—not just by helping me, but by giving me the opportunity to give back,” Nancy shared.

Nancy’s story is a powerful example of resiliency and dedication to serve children in our community. Child care providers are essential to our communities. They are the workforce behind the workforce, enabling parents work while their children are safely cared for and nurtured.  Across New Jersey and the country,  as the child care industry continues to be strained, this trend leaves working families—especially ALICE households—without options.  Nancy is helping to overcome this.

“The world doesn’t move without ALICE workers,” Nancy said. “They are the backbone of our communities. And thanks to United Way, we can keep supporting them.”

Nancy reclaimed the business she once lost. Now, she’s helping others—and helping shape the futures of the children in her care.

To learn more about how United In Care is helping home-based child care providers and supporting ALICE families, visit United In Care.

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