Matilde Jimenez has owned and operated her home-based child care in Cicero for nearly twenty years. Through a lead-in-water test required by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Matilde found that her water contained lead. She understood the risks that lead in drinking water posed for the children she cares for and her family but wasn’t sure where to go for help.
Matilde learned about LeadCare Cook County through some friends and made the easy choice of enrolling when a team member contacted her. Her replacement only took one day, and upon leaving, the plumbers told her that she “could use everything!” Matilde felt the program staff were “kind, sincere, and respectful” and the plumbers “were people of experience – professionals.” Matilde now has confidence that her water is safe and is excited to tell other providers about the program.