Supporting Families and Children in Far Southwest Denver

“Every child deserves a strong start, and every family deserves the support to thrive.”

Trần knows firsthand the challenges of raising a family. As a mother of four, she has navigated the high costs of child care, the constant juggling of work and school schedules, and the daily worry every parent feels about whether their children are safe, supported, and given every opportunity to succeed. Families across Far Southwest Denver are facing these same pressures. When housing, groceries, health care, and child care all rise at once, even hardworking parents can feel stretched too thin. No parent should have to choose between paying the bills and giving their children the strong start they deserve.

Trần believes that when we support families early and consistently, we strengthen the entire community. That means focusing not just on creating new programs, but on making sure the resources we already have actually reach the families who need them most. She will work closely with the City’s Denver Office of Children's Affairs and trusted partners like the Denver Early Childhood Council and Clayton Early Learning to expand awareness of preschool and child care options, reduce waitlists where possible, and help parents better navigate subsidies and enrollment.

She also knows that care and learning do not stop when the school day ends. Many parents in Southwest Denver need safe, affordable after-school and summer options so they can work with peace of mind. Trần will partner with Denver Public Schools, community nonprofits like Commún, and local recreation providers to strengthen neighborhood-based enrichment, mentorship, and youth programming — especially in areas where families currently have limited options.

Just as important, Trần recognizes that families often struggle not because help doesn’t exist, but because the system is confusing and fragmented. She will push for better coordination between city agencies, Family Resource Centers, schools, and community organizations so that families encounter a “no wrong door” system — where one trusted connection can lead them to the full range of supports they qualify for. That includes parent education, mental health resources, supports for children with disabilities, and culturally responsive services delivered in the languages families speak at home.

Trần will also prioritize the everyday places where families gather — parks, libraries, schools, and recreation centers — and work to expand programming that brings parents, youth, and caregivers together. By strengthening these neighborhood hubs rather than building from scratch, the City can deliver real impact faster and more cost-effectively in Far Southwest Denver.

At the heart of Trần’s approach is partnership and practicality. City Council cannot solve every challenge families face, but it can remove barriers, align investments, and make sure Southwest Denver families are not overlooked. Trần is committed to listening closely to parents, working alongside community organizations, and focusing on solutions that are realistic, culturally responsive, and grounded in what families actually need.

Supporting families is about more than policy — it’s about creating the conditions where children can grow, parents can thrive, and communities can flourish.