As the Executive Director of The Operation Child Care Project (OCCP), I stand in awe of the bravery and sacrifices made by our military service members. However, it’s crucial to recognize that their families bear tremendous burdens in supporting their loved ones’ careers. OCCP was born from a vision to address the unique challenges military spouses face, particularly the struggle to access affordable and high-quality child care. With a proactive approach, OCCP aims to provide support and solutions that alleviate these burdens, empowering military spouses to thrive in their personal and professional lives. I am Kayla Corbitt, and I lead this passionate initiative, determined to make a profound impact on the lives of military families, starting right here in Texas.
Overcoming Adversity: Tackling Unemployment Head-On
Despite significant investments in employment initiatives, it remains disheartening to witness persistently high unemployment rates among military spouses. Our research has unveiled a critical factor – the lack of accessible child care. What was once an issue has tumbled into a crisis; we can make a difference by addressing the core issue which has gone unaddressed for years. Without reliable support, military spouses fight an uphill battle to develop and grow their professional careers. But we won’t let this challenge define their journey.
A Beacon of Light: Life-Changing Scholarships
As the driving force behind OCCP, I am thrilled to offer life-changing scholarships during transition periods. It should surprise no one that often times as little as $1,500 is the difference between bridging the gap between employment access and child care expenses. Alleviating the burden of these expenses is where our scholarships carry the power to transform lives. By easing the financial burden of child care, we open doors to new possibilities, breaking free from the cycle of unemployment and financial strain. Our mission is to ignite hope, empower military spouses, and provide the support they deserve.
Personalized Support and A Community of Care
Beyond financial assistance, OCCP is committed to providing personalized support, catering to the unique needs of military families. We understand that each journey is distinct, and we embrace that diversity. Through data analysis and a caring approach, we offer guidance and real resources (no more resource gaslighting), reducing stress and uncertainty during critical transitions. Side by side, our dedicated team stands with you, offering unwavering support as you navigate the challenges and triumphs of this military journey.
Accessible child care is more than just a convenience; it’s a catalyst for positive change in military families’ lives. Stable employment leads to improved overall well-being, reduced food insecurity, and increased housing stability, as research by the RAND Corporation and nearly every major military non-profit shows.
Changing the Game: Advocating for Lasting Impact
As the Executive Director, I am proud to lead OCCP in advocating for systemic change. We strive to make a lasting impact by collaborating with policymakers and stakeholders. Our aim is to shed light on the challenges faced by military families and promote initiatives that support affordable child care options. Together, we can drive positive change that resonates through generations.
We dream big because we believe in the power of possibilities, especially when it comes to military families. Our vision is to create a community where financial stability, career growth, and holistic well-being are within reach for every military family; this begins with child care. Through our support and empowerment, we foster strength for the entire family unit.
Keep up with The Operation Child Care Project on Facebook LinkedIn and Instagram.
Meet Kayla
Kayla Corbitt works with DoD-affiliated families and advocacy organizations to reduce the burden that the lack of child care access has on the military community. Kayla founded Operation Child Care, which offers an all-in-one search tool and private nanny care to bridge the gap in child care families face with relocation. Operation Child Care supports our troops by supporting their families through advocacy, programming, and support.
