Atlantic Iowa – The Nishna Valley Family YMCA and the Iowa Women’s Foundation invite all area businesses, employers, community agencies, individuals, municipalities, families and anyone else interested in the state of childcare in the Atlantic area, to a discussion on the future of childcare in our communities. The FREE luncheon will be Wednesday November 1, 2023 from Noon to 1:30pm at the Cass County Community Building using the West side of the building.

Nishna Valley Family YMCA Executive Director Dan Haynes says “With the downsizing capacity of the Wickman Center and potential significant rate increases looming large for the new year, we welcome all employers, people, and agencies that are willing to work together to discuss and generate viable solutions to the childcare needs of our families.”  Haynes said they “Would also like to talk about a potential employer grant that the community can apply for, in which all businesses that have children in the center could be a part of. If your business has families that have children in the Wickman Center we would highly encourage you to attend or send a representative. We have the potential opportunity to help families with increasing costs of childcare for the coming year.

Sheri Penny of the Iowa Women’s Foundation will also be on hand to speak about the unique ways that other communities across Iowa are tackling the childcare crisis in their communities. She says “It is tough work, but communities that come together to work on the issue as a collective are having success in stabilizing childcare for their families and employers.”

Organizers hope anyone who has interest in this topic will attend, and be part of the community solution. Please RSVP to kboucher@nishnavalleyymca.com or call 712-243-3934 so that they can plan for the appropriate number of meals and seating. If you have specific questions or comments please don’t hesitate to reach out to Dan Haynes at 712-243-3934 or at dhaynes@nishnavalleyymca.com.

For more information you can call the YMCA at 712-243-3934 or stop by the YMCA at 1100 Maple Street, Atlantic Iowa.