Giving Back in the Nanny Community: An Agency with a Heart
Photo courtesy of The Nanny Loft
Nannies are Givers. We give everything we have to our jobs: our nanny kids and the parents we work for. I think many of us got into this profession because we enjoy giving back, helping, nurturing, and caring for others. We believe that by doing our part, we are helping to build a better future. I recently came across an agency with the same kind of heart.
Several months ago, I was preparing for an out of state move (ahh!), and anxiously diving into the job search that goes along with it. I was moving from a bigger metropolitan area back to my hometown, a decidedly smaller city, with less nanny resources. In the past, there had never been nanny agencies in this area, so I wasn't too hopeful, however in my “leave no stone unturned” job search I happened upon a new nanny agency in my hometown – The Nanny Loft.
My initial interactions with the owner, Dilia, were so positive, both over the phone and during our first in-person meeting. She took the time to sit down and really listen to what I was looking for in a position, the things I loved about nannying, and any issues I'd come across in past positions. I could tell she was truly invested in making the best match for me and for her clients. She comes from a social work background and you can tell. She's got so much heart! After going through super-thorough background checks and a trial with a potential family (who I adored!), I landed a job I love. The owner recognized my worth, advocated for me during negotiations, and made sure we executed a fair and very complete contract and work agreement. I think truly, for the first time in job negotiations, I felt heard, I felt valued, and felt my worth and experience were really being valued. In over 5 years working as a full time nanny, this was my first time going through an agency and it could not have been more positive.
Photo courtesy of The Nanny Loft.
But, in addition to filling a definite need in my new city matching families and nannies, what impressed me even more about Dilia and The Nanny Loft was that one of the driving factors for her opening her agency was her desire to help needy families through her nonprofit organization, The Nanny Loft Foundation. Her nonprofit is built on the mission of providing high quality free and/or affordable childcare to the most under-served families in our area: families escaping domestic violence, suffering from homelessness or living in transitional housing, single parent families, or families affected by special needs or illness that typically have no access to resources. She's not just out to make a profit. Helping these families is made possible by funneling profits from her traditional placement agency.
Photo courtesy of The Nanny Loft
In November, I had the opportunity to volunteer at her very first event, a birthday party she threw for 150 residents of a local woman's shelter at Sweet & Sassy, a fun kid's salon. She arranged for all of the children and their parents to be transported from the shelter to the salon via limo! There, they were treated to all kinds of fun activities, like hair and make-up, a photo booth, DJ dance party, fashion show, and so much more. The parents were treated to a yoga and relaxation session, too. It was amazing! The Nanny Loft Foundation's goal is to organize more events like this for under-served families, and also to provide individual childcare in crisis situations or when needed to these families. We will also be trained in the future on providing care for children in trauma situations so that we can provide these parents and children the care and tools they need and deserve.
I know we perform our jobs with our heart every day, and it has been so meaningful for me to get connected with an agency that does the same. If you're interested in reading more about The Nanny Loft Foundation check it out at thenannyloft.com or on Facebook.
Do you know of any nannies or agencies in your area that are giving back? If so, we'd love to hear about them! Drop us a line at info@nannymag.com
Agencies: find out how to show the families and nannies you represent that you're invested in the success of your placements. Click to learn more.