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A year ago Bridging Gaps Child Care opened its child care center. Bridging gaps childcare runs out of the Glad Tiding’s Church in Hancock, and is centrally located for the area, being near the hospital, school district, and nearby neighborhoods. Board president Whitney Brey, says that the past year has been a learning experience, navigating Michigan childcare rules, getting to know the community, and learning about Giving Tuesday. Last year was also the non-profit’s first time experiencing the support of Giving Tuesday after hearing about the event from Copper shores community health Foundation’s executive director Kevin store.
“We found out about Giving Tuesday late last year from Kevin Store when we were trying to find different ways to raise money so that we could get a child care center open to help the community. Because we’re lacking so badly in childcare for working parents. And we thought that if we were able to raise the money. We can work on hiring more staff. And open more spots for children so we can meet more of the need that’s up here.” Whitney Brey, President, Bridging Gaps Childcare Board of Directors
Bridging Gaps Childcare opened in the area after hearing from parents, and seeing a need for childcare services in the area. Already the provider supports around 20 kids in the program. But they hope to bring in more staff so they can take on more kids in the program.
“That was probably the hardest part. The easiest part, we landed in a great location at Glad Tidings. So we’re working with another non-profit, by helping to support them. They’re giving us a great location that works for starting our business. And it’s centrally located. Right now we are licensed for 32 ids, however, we are looking to grow our staff so we can reach the right ratios to have more children. We have 19 kids right now. Our infant and toddler rooms are full. But we hope to open u more slots. We want to grow and keep growing and show that we can keep our feet on the ground. SO in the future, we can move into our own building.” Whitney Brey, President, Bridging Gaps Childcare Board of Directors
Giving Tuesday with the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation last year raised over 650,000 dollars from individuals in the community and from friends of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Annually the foundation has provided a match sum to add to the day of giving’s total. Adding up to over 2.7 million dollars spread throughout the copper country over the past six years. Find more information about Giving Tuesday with the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation here and more about the Bridging Gaps Childcare here.
