Ever think about just how much the first five years of a child’s life matter more than any other period in their development?
For Maryland Family Network (MFN), these critical early years represent the greatest opportunity to create lasting positive change. These impacts go far beyond the individual and their families, too, with benefits that extend to the cities and states where we live.
This month, Full Sail Media is proud to shine a spotlight on an organization that understands a profound truth: when we invest in children during their earliest years, we’re investing in the foundation of our community’s future success.
Where Strong Families and Quality Early Learning Create Thriving Communities
Formed in 2009 through the strategic merger of two respected nonprofit organizations—Maryland Committee for Children (founded in 1945) and Friends of the Family (founded in 1986)—MFN brought together decades of expertise to become a unified force for Maryland’s youngest residents.
Since then, MFN has evolved into a comprehensive support system with a singular mission: Mobilize networks across Maryland to ensure our young children and those who care for them have the resources and equitable opportunities to thrive. Communications Director Doug Lent, who has dedicated more than 11 years to the organization.
“Our mission is to make sure all children have the resources and support they need to grow up strong and healthy,” explains Lent. “That includes supporting the people who care for them: parents, child care providers, and any adults in their lives. We focus on children from birth to age five.”
Creating a Foundation for Maryland’s Future
What sets Maryland Family Network apart is their holistic approach to early childhood development, addressing challenges through four interconnected program areas:
1. LOCATE: Child Care
Finding quality child care is one of the most critical decisions families make. MFN’s LOCATE: Child Care provides a free service that helps families navigate this complex landscape.
“It’s available to anyone looking for child care for their young children,” Lent explains.
“Most people use it online, where they can enter specific criteria, whether they want someone close to home or work, someone without pets, someone experienced with children with special needs, or someone who speaks a particular language.”
This service isn’t just about logistics. It also helps parents understand that early childhood care is truly about education, not just supervision.
Beyond the online portal, parents can speak with specialists who provide personalized guidance in this important decision-making process.
2. Family Support Patty Centers and Early Head Start Networks
When families need comprehensive support, MFN’s network of Family Support Patty Centers and Early Head Start programs provide critical two-generational assistance.
“Early Head Start serves children from birth to age three and provides a high-quality learning environment while connecting parents with resources,” says Lent. “Family Support Centers serve children up to age five and offer even more hands-on support for parents.”
This innovative approach recognizes that supporting the whole family creates the strongest foundation for children. While children engage in enriching activities, parents can work toward their own goals, including finishing their education, learning English as a second language, gaining job skills, or improving their parenting abilities.
3. Child Care Resource Network
Quality child care depends on well-trained, supported providers. Through the Maryland Child Care Resource Network, MFN ensures that child care providers across the state have access to essential professional development.
“Each jurisdiction in the state has a resource center where child care providers can get the training and technical assistance they need to offer high-quality care,” Lent notes.
These resources help elevate the entire child care system, directly impacting the quality of care that Maryland’s youngest children receive.
4. Advocacy in Annapolis
Creating systemic change requires policy leadership. MFN serves as a powerful voice for children and families in the state capital, advocating for the programs and funding that support their development.
“We advocate for policies, programs, and funding that support the goals of families with young children,” explains Lent. This work has secured vital victories, including expanding the Child Care Scholarship Fund and supporting the Time to Care Act for paid family leave.”
Success Stories That Showcase Transformation
One of MFN’s most impactful initiatives is their GoFCC (Growing Opportunities for Family Child Care) program, which is designed to support individualswho want to establish home-based child care businesses.
Lent shares a particularly moving story: “One woman in Damascus, Maryland, who immigrated from the Congo, didn’t know many people when she arrived and started out as an Uber driver. But she said, ‘I don’t want to do this forever. I care about kids and want to be my own boss.’ She entered our program, graduated, and started her own home-based child care business.”
The ripple effects of this success extend beyond one individual. This provider now offers culturally responsive care in her community while building economic independence for herself and her family.
Building a Stronger Maryland Through Early Investment
What drives MFN’s work is the understanding that the first five years of a child’s life lay the foundation for everything that follows. Lent emphasizes, “The first five years are the most critical. I have a 15-year-old myself, and while those teenage years are super important it’s really the early years when 90% of brain development happens.”
This period represents our greatest opportunity for positive intervention. Children who experience nurturing environments during these formative years are far more likely to graduate high school, attend college, maintain stable employment, and contribute positively to society. Conversely, early trauma or instability often has lasting consequences.
“Our goal is to help ensure as many children as possible grow up in environments where their caregivers—whether parents or child care providers—understand child development, practice healthy discipline, have stable employment, and are connected to resources to help their children grow up to be resilient adults who make our communities better,” explains Lent.
How You Can Support Maryland Family Network
Want to be part of this transformative work that’s shaping Maryland’s future? Here are ways you can get involved:
- Use LOCATE: Child Care: If you’re searching for quality child care, take advantage of this free service by visiting their website marylandfamilynetwork.org.
- Support Advocacy Efforts: Follow MFN’s legislative priorities and lend your voice to policies that strengthen families.
- Donate: Your financial contribution directly supports the programs that help thousands of Maryland families achieve educational goals, find quality child care, and access critical resources.
- Spread Awareness: Share information about MFN’s resources with families in your community who might benefit from their services.
As Lent powerfully states: “If you want a Maryland that invests in children now—rather than spending more later on social programs and crisis interventions—we’re your go-to resource. We believe passionately in supporting children when they are most ready to learn and grow. That’s what our mission is all about.”
At Full Sail Media, we’re honored to highlight Maryland Family Network as part of our Changemakers initiative.
Their comprehensive approach to supporting children, families, and providers demonstrates that when we invest in our youngest community members, we create a stronger future for everyone in Maryland.
Because, as MFN reminds us: the first five years last forever.
