The Boone County Economic Development Corporation announced that its Childcare Initiative has received matched funding intended to
advance its mission of enhancing childcare services within Boone County.
The corporation announced that it has received contributions of $3,750 from the Community Foundation of Boone County, $1,375 from Eli Lilly and Company, $1,375 from Witham Health Services and $1,000 from Traditions Realty for the initiative, which has set the corporation on a track to make substantial improvements in childcare infrastructure, affordability and professional development. Community Foundation Executive Director Julie Reagan expressed her excitement for the initiative and the improvements that are possible with the funding in Boone County.
“The Community Foundation of Boone County is thrilled to support the Boone EDC in addressing the critical need for improved quality childcare throughout our county,” Reagan said. “This partnership is a vital investment in our community’s future, ensuring our children receive the care and education they deserve while supporting local businesses to thrive.”
Reagan continued to state that the Community Foundation support for the initiative was fueled by the foundation’s understanding that the contribution would strengthen the economic statuses of the county and further the ability of families to prosper.
“By bolstering local childcare, we empower working families and strengthen our economy, enabling parents to participate fully in the workforce,” Reagan. “We are excited to see this important work move forward.”
The corporation stated that the staff has engaged with Transform Consulting Group to conduct a comprehensive childcare analysis for Boone County, and all contracts have been executed with the project work to begin this month. The analysis is intended to provide insights into the current state of childcare services, identify critical gaps and offer strategic recommendations to create sustainable and compassionate childcare solutions.
The comprehensive analysis is intended to detail the county’s childcare needs to ensure that solutions developed by corporation are tailored to the community’s specific requirements and support the workforce by enabling working parents to have reliable childcare options, reducing absenteeism and enhancing productivity. The comprehensive analysis is also intended to boost economic development by creating a more attractive environment for businesses by creating a desirable place for companies to invest and grow, Boone County Economic Development Corporation CEO Molly Whitehead commented.
“This initiative goes beyond statistics; it’s about building a compassionate community where every family has access to quality childcare,” Whitehead said. “The support from our partners and the insights from Transform Consulting Group will be instrumental in achieving this goal.”
The corporation expressed that the initiative is intended to strengthen the community by fostering a supportive environment where families feel valued and supported as the initiative contributes to the overall well-being of the community.