Full Circle: Viri’s Journey with Families First
In 2015, the same year that Families First in Cabarrus County first opened its doors, a young determined mother named Viri became one of the earliest families to take part in the organization’s home visiting program. Just 22 years old, Viri had recently given birth to premature twin boys and was facing the challenges of new motherhood with limited support and financial struggles.
What she found at Families First was more than just resources—it was a lifeline that helped her grow as a parent, pursue her dreams, and ultimately discover her passion for early childhood education.
While participating in Families First’s home visiting program, Viri’s initial home visitor introduced her to a world of resources and encouragement that she had never known before. As she sought out more ways to support her growing family, Viri was paired with a new home visitor, Aracely. What began as a professional relationship quickly blossomed into something much deeper.
At the time, Viri was not only caring for her own newborn twins but also stepped in to help raise her infant nephew while her sister went through a difficult time. The three babies were very close in age and each needed extra care during those first years of life. Viri often referred to them as her “triplets.” Despite the challenges, she showed unwavering strength, nurturing all three children with incredible love and determination.
Through the home visiting program, Viri learned how to advocate for her children and access important early intervention services. One referral led to speech therapy support for her sons. By the time they entered kindergarten, they no longer needed therapy—a testament to the power of early care and education.
As Viri’s confidence grew, so did her ambitions. She returned to school, welcomed a daughter, and pursued a degree in Human Services, followed by coursework in early childhood education. While working in a daycare, she earned her first Associate Degree and is now on track to graduate with a second Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education this May.
“This is God’s work. He brought me full circle.” – Viri
In early 2024, Viri found herself searching once again—not just for a high-quality preschool for her daughter, but also for a workplace that aligned with her passion for helping young children. She reconnected with Families First, hoping to enroll her daughter in the Bilingual Preschool. To her surprise, the call back included something more than enrollment information: there was also an open position for a NC Pre-K Teacher.
In February 2025, Viri officially joined the Families First staff as an NC Pre-K Teacher Assistant in the very preschool her daughter now attends.
Her daughter, now 4, thrives in the 3-4 year old classroom, eagerly learning and growing each day, and will move into her mom’s NC Pre-K class next year! Viri loves working in a school that follows the public school calendar—it gives her the balance she needs as a single mom and lets her spend more time with her three children, now ages 10, 7, and 4.
“When my friends who are new moms come to me with questions, I have answers” – Viri
Viri’s story is a powerful testament to what can happen when families are met with compassion, opportunity, and support. At Families First, she discovered her calling—and now, she’s helping other families find theirs.
Working at Families First has brought Viri full circle. The organization that once supported her as a scared young mom has now become the place where she helps guide other children on their journey. And her mentor-turned-friend, Aracely, is still working there too—a reminder of just how far she’s come.
For more information about Family Support programs at Families First in Cabarrus County, visit familiesfirstcc.org/family-services.
