In every Colorado community, there are unsung heroes caring for our youngest children—Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers. They are grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, neighbors, and community members who step in to provide loving, daily care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Often, these caregivers work without pay, licensing, or access to professional support—yet they care for the majority of Colorado’s infants and toddlers. Many are women of color, immigrants, and refugees whose dedication forms the backbone of our state’s early childhood system.
That’s why Lantern and Mile High United Way created the FFN Text Channel—the first statewide resource and support hub built specifically for informal childcare providers.
What is the FFN Text Channel?
Launched as part of our Impact on Equity initiative, the FFN Text Channel delivers free, mobile-friendly text messages with practical tips, local resources, and important updates to help caregivers provide the best care possible.
Messages are available in English, Spanish and Arabic, and cover everything from child development and nutrition to training opportunities and financial benefits—like the new $1,200 Colorado Caregiver Tax Credit for those caring for a child under age 5 who isn’t their own.
Built by FFN Caregivers, for FFN Caregivers
This isn’t a top-down program—it’s been shaped by the voices of caregivers themselves. Our FFN Lived Expertise Group, representing diverse languages, geographies, and caregiving experiences, spent over 90 hours helping us:
- Recommend more than 25 practical resources for everyday care.
- Prioritize 89+ relevant topics for our messages.
- Shape the tone, cultural relevance, and accessibility of every text.
- Co-create outreach materials now used by 55+ partner organizations statewide.
What Kind of Messages Will You Get?
Here’s a taste of the tips and resources you’ll receive:
- Movement for growth: Fun ways to help kids of every age stay active.
- Free summer meals: Find local sites for children under 18—no paperwork required.
- Professional development: How to register for the Colorado PDIS system.
- Financial help: Guidance on claiming the $1,200 Caregiver Tax Credit.
- Toilet training tips: Encouragement and strategies to make the process smoother.
Why Sign Up?
Early enrollment surveys show just how important this channel can be:
- 66% of FFN caregivers look after 2 or more children.
- 51% care for children ages 0–3—the most critical window for brain development.
- 84% are unlicensed, and 61% provide care without pay.
- More than half prefer messages in Spanish.
Most joined to get child development tips, improve their skills, and connect to helpful supports. Now, they’re part of a growing statewide network of caregivers making a difference every day.
Join Us—It’s Free and Easy
If you care for a child age 5 or under in Colorado who isn’t your own—whether you’re a grandparent, auntie, uncle, friend, or neighbor—you belong here.
Sign up now: Text FFN to 274 448 to start receiving tips, resources, and updates in English, Spanish or Arabic.
Together, we can make sure every child in Colorado grows up in a safe, nurturing, and developmentally rich environment—no matter where or with whom they spend their days.