Building Beyond Shelter
THe MICAH House Campaign for a Childcare Facility
Homelessness is one facet of a multi-layered issue. There are many factors that contribute to this level of loss, including those by society and institutions. What we see as one of the most important needs for achieving stability in our families, is immediate access to safe, affordable, and care-centric childcare.
MICAH House will not wait for others to help solve this issue. We are taking action.
Join us in building an on-site childcare facility and trauma-informed program complete with accessible tailored services and therapies for each child. This model will provide an essential support for parents as they work to create a sustainable future for their families.
With your help, we can extend the mission of MICAH House beyond shelter. By supporting families with the critical necessity of childcare, our parents can dare to dream for themselves and their children. We can combat the stigma of homelessness and set up the next generation for success.
Read this article about the need by The Buffet Early Childhood Institute here.
Thank you to each and every one of our supporters.
We had a dream that you are making a reality. The positive ripple effects of our community’s growth and stability will extend far into the future. The continued services that MICAH House will provide through the Florence M. Lakin Child Development Center, will allow families to break the cycle of despair and hopelessness.
Why is MICAH House building a ChildCare Facility with Trauma-informed care?
MICAH House is filling a need in supportive services for our clients.
In addition to the stresses of balancing work and life, most MICAH House adults have experienced traumatic events throughout the course of their lives and often have not received the care they need, limiting their socio-emotional tools to interact and cope.
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Research indicates that children with parents who have ACE scores greater than 3 experience developmental and social-emotional delays during the critical formative years: ages birth to 6. MICAH House Parents on average score greater than 6 on their ACE scores.
31% of children Experience Fine Motor Skill Delays
28% Experience Communication Delays
23% Experience Social and Emotional Delays
It is extremely difficult for parents to provide the care their children need while striving for financial and emotional wellness. It is also very challenging when experiencing the crisis of homelessness to choose which priority is the most important for the well-being of your family.
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Our clients with children can’t work without safe and reliable childcare. If they can’t work, they don’t have money for childcare. Which need is greater? Which area would you do without, so that you could provide for your family?
The Solution
The option for safe, affordable, and care-centric childcare will be a game-changer for our families. This program will fill the gaps in MICAH House children’s developmental delays while our parents will have an opportunity to work towards financial stability, wellness, and interdependence.
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Our program will remove the obstacles for our enrolled children to get quality care. Day 1, the children will be assessed and assigned on-site therapies as needed: physical, mental, and behavioral.
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Parents will not have to choose between working or caring for their children. This will alleviate financial stress. Children’s needs will be met without incurring debt.
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When families transition out of MICAH House, their children can continue in the childcare program, including our wellness services for children.
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Children in our program will experience a safe and nurturing environment where they can be curious kids, while making real progress developmentally and emotionally.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
In a February 2020 ISU report, titled "Estimated Cost of the Child Care Shortage in Iowa," data shows 75% of Iowa's workforce consists of households where both parents work (vs. 66%, nationally).
In Pottawattamie County, for every 7-10 children, there is only one available daycare slot.
In 2022, 16% of MICAH House clients served were between the ages of 0-4.
In 2022, 56% of total MICAH House children served were between the ages of 0-6.
Future Daycare Building
Future Images of the MICAH House Daycare: Florence M. Lakin Child Development Center
The 12,000-square-foot center will be positioned on the east side of the current MICAH House property. The center will serve up to 70 children ages six weeks to six years in a trauma-sensitive and service-rich environment. Two-thirds of the center’s spaces will be reserved for MICAH House families. The remaining spaces will be open for families in the surrounding community.
The center will include six classrooms, each with a lead teacher, along with an assistant. A center director and assistant center director will oversee the facility and programs.
The center will include offices for staff and specialists to meet with children and families. There will also be a sensory room, indoor gymnasium, outdoor play area, and outdoor garden. All meals served at the center will meet the requirements for Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
We can’t do this alone.
Your support of the Florence M. Lakin Child Development Center will impact the lives of hundreds of children and parents experiencing homelessness in our community. Your support will help us extend our mission Beyond Shelter.
You can provide young children with the best opportunity to reach their full potential. Please consider making a financial commitment to the Florence M. Lakin Child Development Center today.
LETTER FROM THE EXecutive Director
MICAH House is thrilled to share our exciting plans for a new childcare center. This 12,000 sq ft facility will open its doors to 70 children in the fall 2024. Staff, board members, key donors, and partners have been working tirelessly to see this project come to fruition.
Ashley Flater, Executive Director
One of our primary goals is create a trauma-informed space, providing holistic care that addresses the social-emotional and developmental needs of every child who walks through our doors. By working with local partners, we can ensure everything we do is centered around the specific needs of each child.
But we don't want to stop there! Our vision extends beyond serving children staying at MICAH House. This is a program and service that will be open to children in the community. Everyone deserves access to quality, affordable childcare services -- and we are excited to serve even more families in our community, supporting them in their journey of raising happy and healthy children.
To make all of this happen, we need you. Your investment in the project is an investment in the future. The children of today will become the leaders of tomorrow. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these young ones, and ultimately, in the future of our community.
Join us on this incredible journey by contributing to our campaign. Together, we can create a positive and nurturing environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential. Thank you for your support!
Thank you to our donors:
Charles E. Lakin Foundation
Anonymous
Sunderland Foundation
Childcare Challenge Grant
Heistand Family Foundation
Mustaches 4 Kids
Neil & Fran Shaver and Family
Pottawattamie County Housing Trust Fund
Community Foundation of Western Iowa
Iowa Women's Foundation
TS Bank
MidAmerican Energy