Article Contributed on: 2/19/2009 4:32:09 PM
Although I'm not their mother,
I care for them each day.
I cuddle, sing, and read to them,
And watch them as they play.
I see each new accomplishment,
and help them grow and learn,
I understand their language,
and I listen with concern.
They come to me for comfort,
And I kiss away their tears.
They proudly show their work to me,
I give the loudest cheers!
No, I am not their mother,
But my role is just as strong.
I nurture them and keep them safe,
Though maybe not for long.
I know someday the time may come,
When we will have to part,
But I know each child I've cared for
Is forever in my heart!!!!!!!
~author unknown
Jefferson County Childcare Assn would like to submit a profile of a very special person doing licensed home childcare. Charmaine and Victor Freeny moved to Arvada 14 years ago after they married. Between them, they have raised 7 children. Two still live at home.
Before that she was a paralegal. For 13 years, parents have been fortunate to have Charmaine watch their children. She starts the day by having the children look outside in order to check the weather for the chart. Then they go the calendar to say the day in English and Spanish. As they do their circle time, the children and babies learn sign language. Stories are read or there are projects like playing grocery store where real props are used such a credit cards and cash. The children use Scholastic Clifford Magazine on a regular basis. After circle time, the children play outside in a play area designed especially for them. Charmaine has been appreciated as Ways and Means Chairman to Jefferson County Childcare Assn (JCCCA) for a long time.
But this is a small picture of what Charmaine does for her community. When her son was in the Iraq war, she became aware of the needs of soldiers in the battle area. Her son would tell her of special needs such as soldiers not getting showers for 3 - 4 weeks. These soldiers could use baby wipes in place of showers. Or if they had a cold, they could not always get cold medicine and vitamins. Or if they were fighting, the mess hall would be closed when they would get back, and there was no food for them. She started sending care packages and continues to send them especially to Iraq and Afghanistan soldiers to this day. She gets their names off My Soldier.com where she can get personal information on the soldier she is sending to. She has received grateful thank you notes back from these soldiers.
And there is more to Charmaine. She is Vice President for the PTA at North Arvada Jr. High where she is involved with projects there.
Close to her heart is her church, Crossroads, where she heads the nursery for 2 year old children. Also, Crossroads has adopted a mentoring programs to support Arvada High School and helps homeless teenagers. Along with providing tutors and mentoring, meals are provided before basketball games for both boys and girls. This, also,has been a part of Charmaine's many contributions.
Jefferson County Childcare Assn feels that Charmaine is a unique person and that Arvada is fortunate to have such an outstanding person as a resident.
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Helen Duran is the Human Relations chair for JCCCA, childcare provider for 34 years.
Kelly Froyen, II Vice President and Mentoring/Resource Librarian for JCCCA, has been in the child care field for 25 years.