CARE House #10 (Tina)

About the property

Care Access Real Estate’s (CARE) 10th property is a two-story house located on a quiet cul-de-sac in North Las Vegas close to several schools and areas of commerce. The primary child care area is large and open, featuring direct access from the front door and back yard, making it easy for the provider to see the children in their care. The large backyard now has a shade structure and turf. The interior layout allows for a natural division of the child care space and dedicated family living space.

About the provider

Like many CARE tenant-providers, Tina moved to Las Vegas from California. Being one of 22 siblings on her father’s side of the family, a foster mom of seven, and a mother of five, Tina is used to being around and caring for children and loves seeing them grow.

Initially working at a casino, Tina decided that environment was not right for her. Wanting to work for herself and pursue her child care goals, she decided to open her own child care business as a registered FFN, a “family, friend, or neighbor” provider.

Tina tried to run child care businesses in four previous houses, each time getting pushed out by typical landlords uncomfortable with her running child care in the home. Eventually, Tina was referred to CARE by the Las Vegas Urban League and Wonderschool.

Seeing the CARE property for the first time on a matching visit, Tina was immediately drawn to the warmth of the house.

“I knew this is where I’m meant to be,” said Tina. “My spirit connected with it.”

When she moved in, her son asked her, “Mom, why do you think this is different? Aren’t we gonna just get kicked out again?” And she said, “No, no, CARE picked me to be their tenant. They want me to do child care here.”

Tina adds, “The neighbors are all so welcoming. I’m in the right place to do what I need to do in this community.”

She and her family are now able to plan for the long term and build a thriving child care business.

For those who keep running into obstacles carrying out their purpose, Tina offers these words of encouragement: “The road can seem long and challenging. You’re gonna step on a lot of stepping stones. Never give up. Believe. Know that you can. Keep pushing. Turn your dreams into reality. It will happen for you. You gotta believe in you.”

About Care Access Real Estate®

Working with local ecosystem partners, Care Access Real Estate® (CARE) purchases homes in areas identified as not having enough quality child care, renovates them into ideal child care spaces, and leases them to child care providers who have gone through a vetting process. CARE’s national portfolio of commercial and residential properties is specifically designed to expand quality child care and help unlock the full potential and aspirations of center- and home-based providers.

Disclosure: The experiences of Tina, a current CARE provider tenant, are shared above. No compensation was provided in connection with the experiences shared.