Hello, friends!
We have exciting news to share! The agency was able to purchase a home to serve as the 2023 Designers’ Showhouse. Located at 8338 SW 37th Street (just off of 37th and Auburn Road), this ranch-style home was built in 1995 and has lovely “bones” but is due for an update. Renovation plans include opening up the main floor kitchen and dining space, adding a fourth bedroom and a family room on the lower level, and an extensive outdoor transformation. Gina Nellis and Cora Spencer will lead this effort on behalf of the agency, with all proceeds from Showhouse tours and the resale of the property next spring supporting agency programs and services. It’s great to have this signature grassroots fundraiser back on the calendar, and we look forward to seeing you there!
So… what about 2022? We continue to search for just the right home that could be opened this fall for a one-weekend fundraiser to benefit Child Care Aware® of Eastern Kansas. Stay tuned, or contact me if you have any ideas!
This newsletter contains many updates on agency programs and services, including a recap of the Communities in Action events this spring in Paola, Topeka, and Manhattan focused on supporting community planning to address child care capacity. Also, check out the fun story on the Roll and Read event and learn about our upcoming volunteer needs.
The work that lies ahead for the agency is challenging. There is such a shortage of child care throughout Kansas communities. Without access to child care, working parents with young children cannot enter or stay in the workforce. Families need and deserve high-quality, affordable child care options that meet their needs. Families deserve our best as they navigate life--- and we can play an essential role in helping parents access resources and information that help them support their child’s growth and development.
We are counting on you. First, we need you as volunteers to make cuddle blankets for new babies, process mailings and assemble resources for teachers. We need you as donors that help ensure we have the resources necessary to operate the agency and accomplish the work required. Finally, we need you as advocates that make sure that policy decisions support children and families. Please reach out if you would like to consider a new way to get involved. I would love to chat with you and find a meaningful way for you to join us. Together, we can do great things that put kids on a path to lifelong success and help strengthen families.
Until next time...
