FIRST ON FOX: Facing limited options, Denver resident Mariah Wakefield was determined to find a school that suited her adoptive daughter Jasiya’s unique gifts.

"Not that the school system was a terrible idea, she just needed a little bit more for her to succeed," Wakefield told Fox News Digital, noting that Jasiya was formerly enrolled in Denver Public Schools.

The bond between Wakefield and Jasiya runs deep. Wakefield became Jasiya’s legal guardian after the girl's mother died in 2013, when Jasiya was just 4 years old.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TOUTS ‘HARD RESET’ FOR AMERICAN SCHOOLS, VOWS TO PUT PARENTS ‘BACK IN CHARGE’

In the years that followed, Wakefield navigated significant adversity, including household changes and personal instability while grappling with bereavement and incarceration. Throughout the turbulence — and as other children moved in and out of the home — Mariah prioritized Jasiya’s future.

Help arrived at a pivotal moment through ACE Scholarships, a national Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) that stepped in to help Wakefield enroll Jasiya in a school where she could thrive.

Now, Wakefield wants every parent to know about the organization — especially as ACE launches a nationwide awareness campaign centered around President Donald Trump’s federal school choice initiative.

The program, centered on the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC), allows individual taxpayers to receive up to a $1,700 dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit for cash contributions to qualified nonprofit SGOs ($3,400 for married couples filing jointly). Under the legislation, state governors must formally opt in for local families and educational organizations to participate.

More than half of U.S. states have already signed up to participate. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis was the first Democratic governor to announce his state’s participation, dismissing critics at the time by telling local media he "would be crazy not to" join, noting that the program provides crucial funding for tutoring, after-school programs and summer enrichment. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has also faced calls from school choice advocates as states navigate enrollment options.

A Department of Education official recently told Fox News Digital that "competitive pressure" will ultimately compel blue states to capture the influx of private donations created by the tax credit incentive.

Trump's landmark school choice program comes as major blue city school districts struggle to retain students since the coronavirus pandemic.

NEW YORK JOINS FEDERAL SCHOOL CHOICE INITIATIVE DESPITE TRADITIONAL DEMOCRAT OPPOSITION

For decades, school choice has been a contentious issue among many Democrats, who contend that choice models draw funding away from public school districts and weaken labor unions. However, the surge in demand for alternative education — including charter schools, private schooling and homeschooling following the COVID-19 pandemic — has pushed several prominent leaders to reevaluate their stance.

Many organizations, such as the ACE Scholarships, advocate allowing parents to send their kids to schools outside their neighborhood or opt out of going to public school in general. Established 26 years ago, ACE Scholarships issue privately raised scholarships for lower-income families. Since its inception, ACE says it has delivered more than 121,000 scholarships worth over $395 million to students in 13 states. 

In response, ACE embarked on a multimillion-dollar national campaign called "Make It Possible." The initiative aims to raise public awareness of the EFTC and educate taxpayers on how directed tax credits can expand access to K–12 education.

"While national advertising is designed primarily to inspire and engage Americans, ‘Make It Possible’ is part of a broader, yearlong effort to help taxpayers and families understand the new federal initiative, how it works, and how they can participate," the organization said in a statement. "ACE will also provide educational resources designed to address common questions, clarify misconceptions, and help taxpayers navigate the new opportunity."

ACE seeks to expand support for school choice in Democratic-led states, where teachers unions have frequently opposed policies that direct public funding toward private education.

Denver is among ACE's primary target markets for the ad push, alongside Washington, D.C., New York, Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Kansas City, Orlando and Philadelphia. 

For Wakefield, school choice policies were key to unlocking her daughter's potential.

ARKANSAS STUDENTS OUTPERFORM NATIONAL AVERAGE AFTER UNIVERSAL SCHOOL CHOICE EXPANSION, GOVERNOR SAYS

"So we had this opportunity to go into this, and we just took advantage of it," Wakefield said to Fox News Digital. "I feel that everybody should be notified and have the opportunity to be able to have a different outcome of life for your child."

"Sometimes it's really hard to just get into somewhere just because you don't have enough money, enough funding, enough time, any kind of contributions," she added. "So for them to be able to choose a different place to go to is probably the highlight of being able to expand their child's potential ... and get them to where they should really be."

Today, Jasiya is thriving as a student at Kent Denver School.

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"For too many American children, financial circumstances determine which educational opportunities are within reach," said Kristy Badger, chief marketing officer at ACE Scholarships. "Every child has unique talents, interests and learning needs that shape how they thrive. Now, the EFTC will bring together what’s possible for countless students in America."

• I'm a mom of three and a dietitian who often works with busy parents who are trying to lose weight.
• Meals like quesadillas and Cobb salads can easily be made more nutritious or kid-friendly.
• Burrito bowls and dishes made with protein-rich pasta can be customized for parents and children.

As a registered dietitian who helps busy parents lose weight — and as a mom of three myself — I know the struggle of trying to make just one dinner that works for everyone at the table.

In many cases, kids want something fun and familiar, while parents aim for somewhat nutritious meals that support their weight-loss goals.

Fortunately, you don't have to cook a bunch of separate dinners or settle for "kid food."

Here are eight family-friendly meals I swear by that allow for simple swaps and add-ons to make them lighter, more nutrient-dense, and better for balancing blood sugar.

Build-your-own burrito bowls are easy to customize.

This works well as a buffet-style dinner option where everyone can fill their plate to fit their food preferences.

Start with pulled rotisserie chicken as the main lean protein, and add side dishes of black beans and brown rice for fiber-rich carbohydrates.

Chopped lettuce, salsa, and avocado are great additions for more flavor and nutrients. Kids may prefer having tortillas available to make their own burritos.

Use one pack of buns for two different sausages.

Fire up the grill, and while the kids enjoy hot dogs, swap yours for a leaner chicken sausage. They're typically higher in protein and lower in fat, making them a better fit for weight management.

Load yours with gut-friendly toppings like sauerkraut and grilled onions, and pair it with a side of slaw or grilled veggies and antioxidant-rich berries.

This way, you can have a balanced dish while your kids enjoy a classic.

While the kids eat chicken strips, turn a few into a hearty Cobb salad.

The best meals for weight loss tend to be high in protein and contain a lot of bulky veggies or fruits. So, make a few extra chicken strips for yourself and use them as a protein source in a satisfying Cobb salad.

Add chopped chicken strips to romaine lettuce, tomato, bacon bits, sliced boiled egg, and a sprinkle of blue-cheese crumbles. Pair the salad with a light portion of dressing.

A Cobb salad is great because egg, bacon, and chicken can add enough protein to the meal to help keep you satisfied. Meanwhile, produce like romaine and tomatoes adds nutrients, bulk, and variety to the meal without making it high in calories.

Quesadillas can be simple and kid-approved or more nutritious for health-conscious adults.

It's easy to customize cheese quesadillas to be as simple or as intricate as you and your kids prefer.

To upgrade your own, add lean ground beef or ground turkey (protein), nonfat refried beans (fiber), and roasted peppers or onions (vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants).

The protein and fiber combo in this meal can help you feel full faster and longer, helping avoid the urge for late-night snacks.

As a bonus, serve everyone a side of cucumber or jicama slices for an extra dose of fruit or veggies that provide a crunchy, fiber-rich addition.

Use common taco ingredients to make a satisfying salad.

Tacos are a weekly staple in our house. The kids love theirs with ground beef or turkey, topped with shredded cheese, all stuffed inside a crispy taco shell.

Fortunately, it's easy to transform these sorts of ingredients into a hearty, protein-rich, nutrient-dense taco salad.

Start by filling a bowl with chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, black beans, salsa, avocado, and lean ground turkey or beef. Sprinkle a crumbled taco shell on top for crunch, then add a little dressing if desired.

This way, you can enjoy the same taco flavors, just way more veggies and fewer carbs to help you stick to your daily calorie goals.

Better-for-you ramen can be served two ways.

A basic ramen recipe can be upgraded with lean protein, such as diced chicken and a hard-boiled egg, and leafy greens, like spinach or bok choy.

Aim to fill one side of your bowl with protein and vegetables, reserving the noodles and broth for the other half.

If your kids are a little picky, just serve components of the dish separately and adjust the ingredients you use. Serve noodles with some of their favorite fruit, so they can pick and choose what they like.

Pizza can work for everyone.

With some adjustments, pizza night can still be great for parents trying to manage their weight.

First off, using a cauliflower crust is a great way to reduce the carb count of a typical pizza dinner while adding more vegetables.

More veggies means more fiber for gut health and extra nutrients that help support your metabolism and overall health.

I also like to serve a salad or raw veggies on the side to help me fill up on lower-calorie foods, so I can stick to smaller portions of pizza while still feeling satisfied.

Be sure to also add protein to your pizza to create a more balanced meal. Chicken is a great lean option, but I also understand if you're more of a sausage or pepperoni fan.

Pasta doesn't have to derail your weight loss efforts.

There are several ways to enjoy pasta regularly without disrupting weight-loss efforts.

First, swap out your noodles. Regular pasta is high in carbohydrates, which can spike blood sugar when eaten in large portions or without being balanced by protein and fiber.

Instead, use noodles made from lentils or chickpeas. They contain more fiber and protein, slowing how quickly carbohydrates are absorbed and helping keep blood sugar steadier — which can help with weight management.

Once the noodles are coated in sauce, your kids may not even notice you've made the swap.

Skip high-fat, calorie-laden cream sauces and top your pasta with marinara, which is naturally low in calories. Top with prepackaged frozen meatballs for an easy protein boost.

Don't forget to mix spinach or roasted broccoli into your dish for extra fiber. For pickier eaters, you may want to serve it on the side.

This story was originally published on November 3, 2025, and most recently updated on October 20, 2026.

• My husband and I took my 75-year-old mom to Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• During the two-week trip, I had to make some adjustments to my typical travel style.
• Overall, though, my mom really impressed me and I was surprised by what she could handle.

"I want to go to Montenegro," my mom told me over the phone. She was back home in Chicago, and I was in France, where my husband and I had moved three years earlier.

It wasn't entirely surprising. Since we moved abroad, my mom has been eager to travel more. But Montenegro? The idea felt a little random, which made it all the more intriguing.

Turns out she'd spotted a video of the country on Facebook, likely on one of the Polish-language pages she follows.

I was excited to share another adventure with her, especially one she'd chosen. And if we were going that far, I figured we may as well see more of the region.

After all, I'm a travel blogger and journalist, and my mom has become increasingly interested in seeing what I do and experiencing firsthand what I enjoy so much about travel.

She'd visited us a few times since we moved to France, but the Balkans would be a bigger adventure.

I planned for my husband and me to take her to three countries (Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina) over two weeks. This meant navigating border crossings outside the European Union, handling several layers of logistics, and creating a plan that would work for my mom, who would turn 75 on the trip.

I knew my usual travel pace wasn't going to work for this trip, so we had to plan ahead

My husband and I are active travelers. We regularly rack up 20,000-step days, love a hike to a panoramic viewpoint, and push through heat and discomfort because we're of the "We may never come back here" mindset. Whenever we can, we also take public transit.

My mom travels differently. She spent 40 years as a server, so she's no stranger to being on her feet and is generally in good health, but retirement has slowed her down.

Even on her most active days, she moves at a gentler pace. Hills are particularly challenging, and long stretches of walking, especially on uneven surfaces, can catch up with her.

Before booking accommodations or transportation, I considered the physical demands of each day. I checked elevation changes for walks between hotels and the places we wanted to visit, looked for ways to avoid unnecessary uphill treks, and ruled out extra-long guided tours.

I also hired private drivers ahead of time to give us more flexibility. This way, we could tailor the stops to our needs rather than follow a big group's schedule, including when we stopped, where we were dropped off, and how long we stayed.

We made small adjustments throughout to ensure my mom was comfortable

We started with three easy nights in Dubrovnik, Croatia. During our stay, we explored the popular Croatian city's Old Town and lingered over meals of fresh fish. We spent a lot of time in the pool, since I learned my mom has far more energy in the water than on land.

After that, we were driven into Montenegro, where we learned the importance of rest. On a hot day in Perast, she loved the short boat ride to the man-made island, Our Lady of the Rocks.

But by midday, the heat had made us all a little testy. Ice cream helped, but the real fix was learning to schedule breaks before we reached the point of needing them.

My husband and I usually take a late-afternoon break rather than staying out until dinner anyway. With my mom, we just moved it up a few hours. She never asked us to accommodate her, but I learned to tell when she needed one.

Sometimes, the best adjustment was giving ourselves permission to split up. In the Old Town of Kotor, Montenegro, which was walking distance from our base in Dobrota, my husband and I hiked up to the Kotor Fortress while she stayed behind to rest and feed the cat that adopted us for our three-day stay.

When we got back, she was ready to go, and we spent a few hours exploring together.

Our next leg of the trip was to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which included a four-hour stretch of winding mountain roads that left all of us feeling a little green — my mom most of all. This is where a private driver really paid off.

He pulled over so she could get some air and rest, waited without complaint or worry that we were on a tight schedule, and let her ride up front the rest of the drive.

On a big bus, she likely would have had to suffer through it.

By the end of the trip, I was surprised by what she could handle

Our group of three felt almost like a well-oiled machine by our last stop to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. At this point, I knew what worked and what didn't. Steep hills were a no-go. Long car rides were hard and great to avoid, when possible. She could handle a full day if we built in breaks.

In Sarajevo, we took several guided tours to learn about the city's history and war. My mom had lived through hardship herself in Poland before immigrating to the U.S. in the 1980s, so I wasn't sure how she'd react to heavier subjects. She was fascinated.

During the siege, a narrow tunnel — known as the Tunnel of Hope — was dug under the airport to move food, supplies, and people. Today, you can walk through a short restored section. I assumed she'd wait outside, but she walked right through.

That's what I learned most from traveling with my mom. I couldn't assume what she could or couldn't do. Instead, I simply had to pay attention.

She didn't need me to plan a completely different trip. She needed me to understand that her version of a good travel day looked a little different from mine, and that it can be just as full.