Today we’d like to introduce you to Evelyn Lopez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started at Helping Hands Inc. as the Secretary. While I was working, I was also working toward finishing my degree in science. I had never heard of Helping Hands before or truly understood their mission until I started here in 2009. I still remember December 16, 2009—the office had recently suffered a fire in the building, and I remember going home smelling like smoke.
As I began working with the community, meeting the wonderful people who participate in our program, and seeing the growth, I realized how meaningful the changes we can make in someone’s life truly are. I once had a lady come up to me and say, “Thank you for teaching me how to write my name.” That was an amazing feeling.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Along the way, there have been many challenges. As you know, Helping Hands is a non-profit. We often need donations because we see the need in the daycares. Sometimes children are in care with the same old clothes, or we’re coming up with training tools so providers can be successful in the food program. Here is a little about Helping Hands, Inc.: Helping Hands, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) corporation. We serve approximately 350 family day care providers located throughout the Wasatch Front, from Ogden to Springville, Utah. At this time, we do not accept day care providers from outside the state of Utah. We encourage all day care providers to take advantage of this wonderful program.
We accept all licensed and otherwise qualified providers and work with many ethnicities. We have staff members who are fluent in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and French. Under the oversight of the Utah State Board of Education, we administer the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). CACFP reimburses participating day care homes for serving nutritious meals. Helping Hands, Inc. plays a critical role in supporting home day care providers through training, technical assistance, and monitoring. All family or group day care homes must come into this program under a sponsoring organization such as Helping Hands, Inc. In order to qualify for the CACFP the provider must be either a state-licensed day care provider or an alternate care provider (call for more information on this). The day care provider must also attend annual training classes and maintain a safe, secure environment for the children.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As I mentioned before, I started as a secretary, and I have always had a passion for learning. Even though I knew I would not get paid more, I asked the former Director to teach me. I became more involved in the office and began providing nutrition training for our providers.
I grew up with a mother who set a strong example—she always taught me to work hard, pursue my education, and be a good member of our community. I am grateful for the support my family gives me. I am a mother of four, and my husband has been a tremendous support throughout the years. I also have two pups, Lola and Woody.
What matters most to you? Why?
The positive changes you can make in someone’s life matter. By doing little things, you can create big, rewarding, positive changes—for yourself and for the person you helped. I see the changes we make in all of the children’s lives, and it happens simply by making small improvements in their eating habits. These changes last a lifetime, not just temporarily.
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