Community daycare shines because of JC Strong

In June of 2022, a group of Jewell County community members made it official - they were forming a non-profit so they could take action tackling some big stumbling blocks that stood in the way of community growth. The initial initiatives included establishing a community childcare facility and a community wellness center. This is the story of the Jewell County Strong Community Daycare.

Not originally the group's primary focus, a community daycare seemed like a big hill to climb; however, the committee knew of mothers without consistent childcare, and statewide initiatives had just been launched to help support child care in rural areas. With this momentum, the group decided to pursue opening a "group home" facility, located in a home that was on the market, in a good location, and ready to be easily transformed into a daycare. The potential facility was sold by the time Jewell County Strong was able to secure the grant funding to purchase it. Onto another plan.

With a member of the board being a local real estate broker, connections were made with a property owner who was holding onto a house in another good location, next to the elementary school. This house hadn't been lived in for years, but it was significantly under budget to allow room for all the necessary improvements - and guess what? Part of the volunteer board just happened to have years of experience improving, remodeling and flipping houses. And so began almost a year of "HGTV" style renos, all while the committee learned about the needed requirements and regulations related to group daycare situations.

"When I first saw the daycare house, I was most pleased by the open layout of the house. It could accommodate various activities such as playtime, naptime and mealtime. There were two significant challenges that immediately caught my attention. First, the house foundation needed immediate attention and secondly, we needed to devise a secure and convenient area for parents to drop off their children. Fortunately, with the help of grant funding, we were able to enlist the services of a local contractor who successfully repaired the foundation problems and installed a circular driveway to ensure a safer and more functional daycare facility." said Karla Fleming, president of the JCS Board.

With the assistance of local professionals, such as masons, electricians, HVAC installers and the house was completed - but not without stumbling blocks. The foundation repair project was set back because of snow, the air conditioning units weren't all functioning until well into July, and all of the concrete equipment had to be moved off site before the fence builders could come in. All of this while the volunteers ripped up carpet, tiled bathrooms, replaced kitchen cabinets, painted walls and trim, put down new flooring, cleaned out years of dirt in the basement, cleared the yard of brush, and turned the abandoned house back into a livable home. Deb Warne, JCS board member and volunteer, said, "Watching the dark, dingy neglected space come to life and end up as a bright, clean, energetic place to nurture the growth of youngsters was the best part of volunteering on the renovation project."

Now structured as a group daycare, the house features a circle drive for parents to be able to safely drop off and pick up their children away from the busy street - as well as a fenced in yard with shade trees and new play equipment. The open layout of the house has a front room for snacks, crafts and dancing, as well as a back playroom with lots of light for toys and play time. The house has one room for older children to nap, a room for babies to sleep, two bathrooms, one room for an office and the centrally located kitchen which allows caregivers to see both play areas.

Given the stumbling blocks and the unanticipated remodeling of an entire home, it's a miracle that the daycare was able to open on the proposed timeline, in August of 2023. Efforts to open were immensely supported by multiple organizations and donors. After the initial $86,500 was secured from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for a house, ChildCare Aware of Kansas funded $45,000 towards playground equipment and rubber mulch, as well as indoor toys, equipment, materials and supplies. The Patterson Family Foundation, facilitated by ChildCare Aware of Kansas, provided financial support in the amount of $18,700. This contribution allowed for the construction of a driveway and sidewalk, covered staff training costs, and supported the salaries of staff during the transitional period leading up to the facility's opening. Jewell County Community Foundation provided $5,626 for a stove, refrigerator and the construction of the playground fence. That's a total of $155,826 brought into the local economy and channeled into childcare for Jewell County, with future funding possibilities.

Private donations covered remaining expenses, like tree removal, assorted supplies, a microwave, and other repairs not funded by grant funds. This not only helped the project thrive, but encouraged the volunteers doing all the 769 hours of volunteer work to complete the project.

"As a real estate broker, it has been great to be able to state that the community is growing and has a new daycare available. People who are considering moving to the community want to know that the area is progressive with new facilities, such as the day care and wellness center. No one wants to move to an area that is dying." said Deb.

While inquiries about available spots for childcare continue to roll in, families currently being served by the facility are extremely grateful. Meghan McMillan, Jewell County resident and facility director, has a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. When asked what brought her back into childcare after working in another industry, she answered, "My biggest reason to get back into the childcare setting was my son, Jaxson. Spending my days with him at work and getting to watch him interact and learn new things was something I couldn't pass up!"

The project has had some unanticipated outcomes - saving a property, connecting with the community and seeing staff unexpectedly shine. For one, saving and bringing new life to an abandoned property, located in a prime spot, makes a difference for the community. Everyone going to and from the elementary school can see the daycare and see life, as opposed to the overgrown brush and abandoned facade. Secondly, through this construction project, Jewell County Strong has built stronger connections with the community as a whole.

JCS has been able to show first hand what the group is about, how the board is willing to work hard to make the community a better place, and how committed they are to reaching their goals. Last but not least, upon hiring to fill staffing needs, exceptional strengths have shone through in caregiving employees. It takes something special to work with children, to manage a group of youngsters at various ages with care, and to genuinely engage and connect with each of them - and staff members have shown all of those abilities and more. When interviewed, every volunteer and staff member commented on how much they enjoy the unique personalities of each child and how much fun they have doing different activities.

A community open house was hosted in August of 2023 to share the project with the community, and all who entered were immediately filled with joy at the love, warmth and creativity of the space.

When asked what the community could do to further support the daycare, Fleming replied, "Residents can volunteer their time and expertise to help with fundraising efforts or donate resources like new toys, books, diapers or wipes to the Jewell County Strong Community Daycare. A united and engaged community will play a crucial role in ensuring the success and sustainability of our community daycare facility, which will benefit both children and families in our community for many years to come."

As the daycare begins operations, things are still plenty busy over at the house - except big hands working have been replaced by little hands playing. The board and staff are still involved in making sure staff members, parents and children all have a great experience. And as the renovations wrap up, the real fun is just beginning. With growth comes opportunity, especially for future employees. "To prospective employees, I would invite enthusiastic and caring individuals to apply to be part of a nurturing and supportive community that values the growth and development of both children and staff members. With a safe and stimulating environment, ongoing professional development and a collaborative team spirit, we foster an atmosphere where your talents and dedication can truly shine. Come be a part of our mission to provide quality early childhood education and make a difference in the lives of children!" said Fleming.

The scope of this project would not have been possible without funding and additional support from various donors, or without the unique talents, strengths, and teamwork of the Jewell County Strong Board of Directors. Board Members include Karla Fleming, Deb Warne, Cassi Bozarth, Levi Fleming and Emma Walker. The current push for support of non-profit groups, as well as childcare in Kansas, have made the establishment of this daycare, and the further growth of our community, possible. But what about the wellness center project?

When asked about overcoming skepticism around the community wellness center project, Fleming replied, "The successful opening of the daycare has lent a great deal of credibility to our wellness center. The dedication evidenced by the nearly 800 hours of community service invested in the daycare project, despite the various obstacles encountered along the way, speaks volumes about our commitment to delivering on our promises. Our determination and commitment will undoubtedly carry forward to Jewell County Strong's wellness center project."

Recipient of the Thriving Rural grant from the Patterson Family Foundation in September of 2023, Jewell County Strong was awarded nearly $180,000 to go towards specific elements of the wellness center. Ongoing fundraising efforts continue, and community members are invited to pre-purchase a monthly membership online http://www.jewellcountystong.com .

Donations to the organization are also 100 percent tax deductible, can be named with donors or received anonymously, and can be allocated to either the daycare or wellness center project.