The officers and board members of the Mount Vernon and Lisbon Childcare Solutions Group are starting the summer working on the next round of fundraising to support childcare workers in the Mount Vernon and Lisbon area. The group would also like to acknowledge the success of the ‘round up’ program at Gary’s Foods in May. That project yielded $3,000 for wage enhancement to childcare workers right here in our communities. Our group is very thankful for the community’s contributions.
Over one and a half years ago, the State of Iowa offered a 2 for 1 match to any funds that could be raised locally from generous businesses and individuals to support childcare. At that time, over $31,500 was raised in contributions which grew to $94,500 with the State match. A total of $92,158 has been distributed in the form of paying for training, hiring and tenure bonuses and supplementing hourly wages. No state match was made available in the recently closed legislative session but the need for affordable, quality childcare still exists. Even with the opening of Lisbon Early Childcare-West a year ago, the waiting list for children to get into the program is just under 100 children.
Email solicitations have gone out to past generous donors to this program and hopefully more citizens will join to address this local need to care for our youngest citizens. If anyone wants a one on one chat about this cause, a member of the CCSG will be happy to meet with you. This can be arranged by contacting Tom Wieseler at [email protected]. If you are ready to invest in this important issue, check or credit cards can be accepted by CDG director Jessie Thurn at the Mt. Vernon Visitors center. Please make your check out to the “CCDG” and add “Childcare” in the memo line.
This request for funds is separate from a larger capital campaign for a Mount Vernon childcare site. Plans are in process for a joint effort between the Mount Vernon School District and the City of Mount Vernon for an addition to be constructed on the Lester Buresh Wellness Center. OPN Architects is the firm being used. TIF dollars will be the base for the construction process. Our whole community is seeking to assist in the effort to provide affordable, quality childcare close to home.