A Champion for Youth and Families in Eagle County
In an insightful conversation, Lupita Guerra, Family Service Coordinator for the Head Start Program at Eagle County Schools, shared her journey, motivations, and the importance of community support.
Lupita's story began in Eagle County, where she grew up after moving from Mexico at a very young age. Raised by a single mother, she faced numerous challenges due to a lack of resources and support. As she grew older, she discovered many local resources that could have significantly helped her and her mother. This realization inspired her to ensure that her beloved community thrives and remains a safe place for her own family.
Lupita's main motivators in her professional work stem from her passion for supporting families through various hurdles. She finds immense joy in helping families overcome challenges, whether it’s securing childcare, providing basic needs such as access to food, clothing and more, or guiding them to necessary community resources. Lupita particularly emphasizes the importance of supporting families and children with challenging home situations . She is dedicated to helping these families become their own advocates when it comes to their children's education, promoting a partnership between home and school.
"I think of myself as a liaison to bridge home and school life, enabling families to have better relationships and help their children thrive," Lupita shared. She also brings awareness to teachers about the experiences of kids at home, highlighting how these factors influence classroom behaviors, while maintaining confidentiality.
Lupita identified the biggest needs of local youth as spending more quality time with their parents and parents having the opportunity to actively parent and interact. In busy lives, maintaining connection can be challenging, and she suggests that bringing more Spanish training to the community could help bridge this gap.
On the other hand, she highlights a significant strength: the growing awareness of mental health issues among youth. She acknowledges the need for further growth but is optimistic about schools' roles in connecting youth with mental health support, such as art classes, music, or church youth groups.
Lupita believes that community organizations working together is essential for helping all youth thrive. However, she notes a challenge: achieving buy-in and participation from parents and community members. Increased involvement and voicing of experiences could lead to better support for youth.
Outside of work, Lupita enjoys spending time outdoors with her son and husband. They love hiking and exploring nature. She is passionate about art and social justice, advocating for clean water in trailer parks, women's rights, and political awareness. Lupita also values the importance of balancing work and family life, emphasizing the critical role of parenting in today's fast-paced society.
Lupita’s community dedication extends to her work with the Law Enforcement Immigrant Advisory committee (LEIA) for the last eight years, supporting community safety and building trust between immigrant families and law enforcement. She aims to ensure that crimes affecting vulnerable communities are reported and addressed.
Lupita Guerra's commitment to serving youth and families in Eagle County is truly inspiring. Her efforts to support families, promote education, and foster community connections demonstrate her unwavering dedication to the well-being and prosperity of her community. Through her work, she continues to make Eagle County a thriving, safe, and supportive place for all its residents.
-Hannah Conoley, Community Mobilizer
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