United Way to Host Childcare Forum
United Way of Southeast Missouri (UWSEMO) invites the community to attend a community forum to discuss the organization's childcare initiative and provide feedback on proposed solutions. The event will be held on October 17th from 6:30-7:30 P.M. at The Canvas Event Center located at 1922 Independence St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703.
In early 2022, UWSEMO conducted a community needs survey that revealed gaps in transportation and childcare services. Gaps in these services create barriers to employment for many individuals and families in Southeast Missouri. To address the transportation barrier, United Way, in partnership with Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority and with funding from Healthy Blue, created the workforce development program, United We Work. This no-cost program goes beyond addressing participants’ need for transportation to and from work. It also connects them with a local bank and a financial coach who helps them understand and create a budget to save for future transportation.
Elizabeth Shelton, Executive Director of United Way of Southeast Missouri explains, “United We Work has been a huge success, because it does what United Way does best. It meets a need where there is a void; then it goes beyond that by addressing what is contributing to the need with financial coaching. So far, we’ve had two participants budget and save to purchase their own vehicles. We are very proud of them and of this program.”
UWSEMO is now working to develop a new program to address the critical childcare shortage in the area, which mirrors what is happening nationwide. Initial efforts will begin in Cape Girardeau County to ensure program viability with plans to expand to other areas the organization serves. According to Childcare Aware, there are nearly 5,000 families with children eligible for childcare in Cape Girardeau County and only 25 licensed childcare facilities. The proposed United Way program will support parents, childcare centers, and in-home providers with training, resources and access to wrap-around services.
Matthew Ellison joined UWSEMO this year on an AmeriCorps Planning Grant to address obstacles to employment, specifically, childcare and transportation. Ellison explains, “Childcare is essential, not just for the success of our families, but for the strength of our entire economy. This issue impacts everyone, and it's crucial that we hear from providers, parents, and businesses alike. Their input will help us create a program that truly meets the needs of our community. We invite everyone to join us in driving positive change and helping to reshape childcare in our community.”
The event will offer a light dinner and activities for children. More information about the childcare and transportation initiatives can be found under Our Impact at unitedwayofsemo.org