The Branch County Community Foundation (BCCF) is pleased to announce that it has received a $60,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to establish and lead a local implementation team aimed at tackling childcare access issues in Branch County. This initiative seeks to convene a diverse coalition of stakeholders to address critical challenges affecting childcare provision in our community.
The grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation will enable BCCF to assemble and coordinate a local implementation team comprising representatives from economic development, workforce development, municipalities, childcare businesses, early childcare system builders, policymakers, advocates, funders, and families. This team will work collaboratively with Pulse and community partners to address key obstacles in childcare accessibility across Branch County.
"The financial support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and facilitating support from Pulse is a significant endorsement of our community's efforts to enhance childcare accessibility," said Erica Heminger, Executive Director of the Branch County Community Foundation. "This grant allows us to bring together a diverse array of stakeholders who are committed to finding innovative solutions to the challenges faced by families and childcare providers in our area."
The initiative will focus on several primary challenges identified in Branch County, including addressing mindset barriers among community members unsure of their role in addressing the childcare crisis, fostering collaboration among economic, workforce, and community development sectors, and overcoming resource gaps such as knowledge deficiencies, insufficient funding, and inadequate physical space for childcare facilities.
Through strategic collaboration and community engagement, BCCF aims to develop actionable strategies that will strengthen the local childcare infrastructure, enhance access to high-quality childcare services, and support the economic and social well-being of families across Branch County.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to lead this important initiative," added Heminger. "By harnessing the collective expertise and commitment of our community partners, we are confident that we can make meaningful strides towards a more supportive and accessible childcare environment in Branch County."
Anybody who is interested in learning more about this work is urged to contact the Branch County Community Foundation in person at their office, 2 W. Chicago St suite E1 in Downtown Coldwater, call the office at 517-278-4517, or email staff at info@brcofoundation.org.
About the Branch County Community Foundation: The Branch County Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Branch County through philanthropy, community leadership, and collaboration with donors and community partners. Since 1991, BCCF has been committed to addressing local needs and fostering positive change in Branch County.