Nancie Meng

Putting Kids First: helping at-risk children worldwide

Posted by: nmeng on February 27, 2010

CCAP Staff in South Africa

As part of Cultural Care Au Pair’s mission to break down barriers of culture and language through educational exchange, a group of local childcare coordinators and staff recently visited South Africa to see firsthand the difference the donations from the Cultural Care community have made through our charitable organization Kids First.

Since it’s inception in 2004, Kids First has supported many worldwide organizations that work with at-risk youth. From the daycare center in Brazil to the school library in New Orleans to an orphanage in Russia, Kids First has supported a wide range of global organizations. Our most recent work at an orphanage and daycare center in a poverty-stricken township outside Capetown, South Africa is another great example of the work we are doing worldwide.

Cultural Care staff and LCCs had an opportunity to visit several projects funded through CHOSA, an organization that Kids First supports. CHOSA provides support to programs that work with at-risk children and their families to provide nutrition, medication, clothing, food, shelter and an education.

During the service visit, those who participated had a chance to visit the Ubuhle Babantwana Care Center, which helps 150 children, some of whom are HIV positive. Donations received from au pairs, host families and Cultural Care LCCs and staff have provided funds for the building of a new structure for the infants and toddlers in the center. The group from Cultural Care Au Pair had an opportunity to see the new structure, meet the inspirational director and dedicated teachers and had some time to play with the children.

In addition, the group visited the Ilitha-Labantwana Place of Safety, the Philani Child Health and Nutrition Project, the Emasithandane Children’s Project and the Baphumulele Children’s Home. The Cultural Care team is now bringing their experience back to the U.S. to raise awareness, and additional funds for even more projects that Kids First supports.

“Our Kids First trip to Cape Town was truly amazing and inspiring,” says Local Childcare Coordinator Trudy Mar. “The work, effort, love and sacrifice the women heading up these projects give to all of the kids goes well beyond what most of us could imagine. If one little body sleeps better, eats better and smiles more, we’ve helped to change their future and make the world a better place. Every dollar we raise for Kids First definitely does make a difference.”

For information about how you can make a contribution to Kids First, or raise awareness for the programs it supports, visit http://www.culturalcare.com/aboutus/kidsfirst/ or contact Nancie Meng, Local Childcare Coordinator, on Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore.

New Mid-Atlantic Families: Lock in $1000 Savings, Apply By 2/09/10

Posted by: nmeng on February 7, 2010

Mid-Atlantic Families new to Cultural Care Au Pair’s program can lock in savings of $1000.00 (more if you take advantage of my LCC rebate once you welcome your au pair) by completing your application by midnight on Tuesday, February 9, 2010.

Here’s how the savings break down: 

• You apply for free - $75 savings
• We waive the Au Pair selection fee - $275 savings
• You get a Program Fee Discount - $500 Savings
• Overseas Connection Package - $150 value

Add in my LCC rebate and this all adds up to more than $1000 worth of savings to you!  All this with no risk or obligation!  

Whether you are satisfied with your current situation or not, what can it hurt to sign up, learn all about our program and what it offers?  If something changes or when you find that our program suits your needs, you are prepared and ahead financially.

To claim these savings:

• You must be new to Cultural Care Au Pair
• Contact me directly for information and the promo code
• Complete your applications by midnight on Tuesday, February 9, 2010
• Welcome an au pair by October 22, 2010.

Remember, there is no risk or obligation to you if decide not to select an au pair or you choose to delay the selection process. 

Don’t hesitate to contact me:

Email:  nancie.meng@lcc.culturalcare.com

Phone:  410-208-1028

Three Ways to Match Families and Au Pairs

Posted by: nmeng on February 4, 2010

Host families now have three ways to find just the right au pair to welcome to their home.  Rather reading all the details, you can see for yourself:

If you have problems seeing the video on this page, watch it on YouTube by clicking on this link:

Cultural Care Au Pair’s ‘Three Ways to Match’

Remember, too, that as your LCC, I will do everything I can to support you through the process by working closely with you and your matching manager, reviewing au pair applications, helping you construct the list of questions you’ll want to ask during your phone calls with prospective au pairs and anything else you feel might be of assistance.

Want to know more about Cultural Care Au Pair’s  ‘Three Ways to Match’?  Give me a call or send me an email. I’ll be happy to fill you in on all the details.