Jewell County Strong Inc. receives $18,728 Grant to Support Local Childcare Facility

MANKATO, KANSAS — September 2025 — Jewell County Strong Inc. is proud to announce it has been awarded a grant in the amount of $18,728 from the Northwest Kansas Early Childhood Sustainability Grant Fund to support the continued operation of the Jewell County Strong Community Daycare.

This generous grant was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, the Patterson Family Foundation, the State of Kansas through the Kansas Children’s Cabinet, and the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation. The funding comes from a newly created, permanently endowed fund designed to help sustain quality early childhood education programs in Northwest Kansas.

The grant will help bridge a budget shortfall and ensure the daycare remains fully staffed and open to local families, especially those needing care for infants and toddlers. Jewell County Strong Community Daycare is a nonprofit licensed childcare facility in Jewell County and plays an essential role in supporting working families and the community’s youngest learners.

“We are incredibly grateful for this funding,” said Karla Fleming, President of Jewell County Strong Inc. “In rural areas like ours, it doesn’t take much to threaten the stability of vital services like childcare. This support allows us to continue serving families without compromising the quality of care we provide.”

The need for reliable, affordable childcare in Jewell County remains urgent. According to ChildCare Aware of Kansas, Jewell County has a shortfall of childcare slots and is one of 15 counties in the state with no infant/toddler care openings. Jewell County Strong Community Daycare helps meet this need by offering high-quality, licensed care for children aged 2 weeks to 6 years.

Jewell County Strong Inc. extends heartfelt thanks to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, the Patterson Family Foundation, the State of Kansas, and Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation for investing in the future of Northwest Kansas families and children.

Contact Information:Karla Fleming President, Jewell County Strong Inc.

Email: admin@jewellcountystrong.com

Phone: 785-648-0146

Website: www.jewellcountystrong.com