GLENWOOD, Iowa (KMTV) — A story we've been following for almost two years is about to come to a happy conclusion. The Lakin Child Development Center in Malvern is expected to open its doors to families in the fall.
- Meagan Schnoor is a mom and president of the nonprofit building the Lakin Foundation Child Development Center: "We are actually anticipating an August construction completion, which is way ahead of schedule."
- Schnoor: "I'm an example of why this is needed. I had to go from full-time employment to part-time employment because I didn't have adequate childcare."
WATCH KATRINA'S STORY BELOW
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
A long awaited childcare center might be just months away from opening.
I'm your Southwest Iowa neighborhood reporter Katrina Markel at the Mills County Courthouse.
The East Mills childcare center in Malvern hopes to open its doors in the fall, bringing 30 more jobs to the area.
"We are actually anticipating an August construction completion, which is way ahead of schedule."
Meagan Schnoor is a mom and president of the nonprofit building the Lakin Foundation Child Development Center.
"I'm an environmental scientist, I am not a childcare worker; I just need childcare," she said.
Schnoor told the board there are 50 kids on the interest list so far. The center has been planning an initial capacity of approximately 70 kids with room to grow.
Katrina Markel: "Why does it matter for economic development?"
Schnoor: "I'm an example of why this is needed. I had to go from full-time employment to part-time employment because I didn't have adequate childcare."
She says the volunteer-led effort is 97% done fundraising the $4.9 million needed to renovate a former nursing home into what will be a major employer in the county.
