“I thought I had installed my child’s car seat correctly for months, but I learned so much. I’m grateful to know my child is truly safe every time we drive.”
For this parent, peace of mind didn’t come from guessing—it came from being supported, guided and given the tools to protect their child with confidence.
Across the country, that confidence is not always guaranteed. Nearly 60% of car seats are installed incorrectly, putting children at greater risk in the event of a crash. For many families, it’s not a lack of care—it’s a lack of clear information, hands-on support and access to the right equipment.
That’s where Catholic Charities steps in.
Families recently gathered for a hands-on Early Childhood Education (ECE) event focused on child passenger safety. Led by Jody Davison from the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI), the session created a space where parents could ask questions, learn together and gain clarity on something that can feel overwhelming.
At Catholic Charities, our Early Childhood Education program does more than prepare children for kindergarten—it supports the whole family. Through safe, nurturing learning environments, parent education and connections to essential resources, ECE helps families build a strong foundation.
That support was on full display during this event.
Parents learned how to choose the right car seat for their child, understand safety laws, check expiration dates and properly install each seat. What may seem like small details can make a life-saving difference.
Just as important, families didn’t leave empty-handed.
Each family had the opportunity to receive a free car seat or booster tailored to their child’s needs—removing a financial barrier and ensuring their learning could be put into practice right away.
The following week, families returned to Catholic Charities’ Kentucky Early Childhood Education Center—one of our ECE sites dedicated to supporting young children and strengthening families in our community.
During one-on-one appointments, Jody and her team worked alongside parents to install 20 car seats and booster seats directly into their vehicles. Parents practiced, asked questions and built confidence with each step. Several expired car seats were also identified and safely recycled, giving families an added layer of protection.
Moments like these reflect the heart of Catholic Charities’ mission: walking alongside families, meeting practical needs and creating opportunities for lasting stability and safety.
This effort was made possible through collaboration with valued partners, including Mary McNeill from Denver Great Kids Head Start and the Denver Housing Authority (Westwood), who provided classroom space. It was also supported by our dedicated ECE team members—Teresita, Erika, Rachel, Rosa and Rubi—whose care and commitment made each family feel seen, supported and empowered.
Because every child deserves a safe ride—and every parent deserves the confidence to provide it.
The Catholic Social Teaching principle Call to Family, Community and Participation reminds us that people are meant to live in relationship with others. Strong families and supportive communities help individuals rediscover belonging and participate in building a hopeful future.