My name is Marites MacLean, and for most of my life I have worked alongside children and families as an early childhood educator, trauma-informed care trainer, and advocate. Throughout my career, I saw something that stayed with me: many children have incredible potential, but not every family has access to the resources, support systems, and opportunities they need to help their children thrive.
I met parents who were working multiple jobs but could not find affordable child care. I saw children experiencing trauma who needed simple supports to feel safe and ready to learn. I met family child care providers who wanted to serve their communities but lacked the training and resources to start sustainable programs.
These experiences inspired me to take action.
Together with other dedicated community members, I co-founded Empower Children for Success in Fitchburg to create solutions that support both children and the systems that care for them.
Today, our organization works to strengthen families and communities through initiatives that provide direct support to children while also building long-term solutions. From trauma-informed resources like calming kits for children in crisis, to training programs that help new family child care providers launch small businesses, our work is rooted in one belief: when families are supported, children succeed.
We have been fortunate to have funders such as the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, United Way of North Central Massachusetts, Greater Worcester Community Foundation, Schwartz Charitable Foundation, Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, Madigan Family Foundation, Rollstone Charitable Foundation, Community Foundation for MetroWest, Yellow Birch Fund, Fontaine Community Foundation, Rockland Trust, DCU for Kids, NewVue Communities, Inc., Massachusetts Attorney General’s office, and Health Equity Partnership of North Central MA (CHNA9) to expand opportunities for children and families in our region. But the truth is, the need continues to grow.
Every donation helps us reach more children who need support, train more child care providers who will serve working families, and create stronger communities where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
When you support Empower Children for Success, you are not just funding a program, you are investing in the future of children, families, and communities.
Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity not just to succeed, but to truly flourish.