FHCC met to discuss new child care center

There was excitement in the little red brick school building in Florence as area folks gathered lending input and support to the development of the Flint Hills Child care effort. Adam Barlow-Thompson (Neighboring Movement-Wichita) was there and with banjo in hand, focused the over 20 in attendance with group singing “If you want change -you gotta change.”

Les Allison, chair of The Flint Hills Child Care Coalition Inc (FHCC), opened the meeting with introductions of Jamie Roberts from KDHE (licensing agency for child care) and representatives of Child Care Aware of KS (an agency whose purpose is supporting child care with financial and technical support). Many questions were asked, and answers received to assist the group to move forward with the “optimistic” opening of this center in Aug.

Roger Nurenberg shared details of work being done on building to bring it up to code. Nurenberg told the group what an excellent building the city has agreed to lease to the coalition pointing out “there will be a FEMA-approved safe room in the basement of the building for the kids and community to use when needed in case of severe weather.”

Richard Blount (FHCC board treasurer, Marion) reported that significant offers of time and labor were given to support the center effort through the volunteer “connect form” given to those in attendance. Items volunteered included: painting, cleaning, safety fence construction.

Tracy Lowe (FHCC board member from Burns) treated the group to snacks and collected the volunteer sheets that included requests for assistance in these areas: Leadership Team, Executive Director Search team, Grant and Finance Team, Building Team and Communications Team. Linda Allison (Florence) and Lory Allison (Overland Park) both FHCC board members emphasized the importance of continued individual support for the development of the center.

“Your time, ideas and financial contributions all are needed to make this effort a success,” they said.

Be a part of the change—contact 620-382-7310 if you want to contribute or help in any way.

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