A Workforce Innovation Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the Department of Workforce Development is being utilized to help the United Way of Door County strengthen area child care.
The grant, which is worth up to $3.5 million, will allow the United Way and its community partners to fund initiatives such as construction and remodeling the county’s two nonprofit child care centers, making changes to the centers’ business models and creating affordable housing.
Affordable housing is not only a priority for the sake of improving the quality of life of residents but it also allows more leverage when recruiting child care workers. While wages and benefits may be lower in Door County than in comparable areas, according to the Northern Door Children’s Center, affordable housing allows qualified workers to find enthusiasm in calling the area home.
Cheryll Olson-Collins with the Department of Workforce Development noted in a Thursday press release that the improvements to the child care facilities in Door County are an investment in short-and-long-term economic growth.
She said, “Accessible and affordable child care helps ensure that parents who wish to work can do so, and stable child care supports businesses with a more reliable and productive workforce.”
Additionally, she feels the investment helps improve the financial security of residents of the region while also accelerating economic growth.
Workforce Innovation Grants are paid for by federal American Rescue Act funds. More information about the program can be found online at WEDC.org/Workforce-Innovation-Grant.
