Picture credit to Paton Churdan ELC
The Greene County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution for the county to apply for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) to construct a new daycare facility in Churdan. The Paton-Churdan Early Learning Center (ELC) was originally located in a building previously used by the Paton-Churdan Community School District, but has reached full capacity of 50 children with a wait list from families spanning across three counties, and the current building starting to show its age, exhibiting health and safety concerns. The ELC purchased the underutilized Methodist Church in Churdan with the plan to transform the building into a new center. After further discussions, administration from ELC reached out to Region XII Council of Governments to apply for a $600,000 CDBG grant, covering just shy of 30 percent of the $2.15 million cost to construct a new 6,500 square feet modular learning center on the school’s property. One of the requirements for the CDBG program is that funding must be used for projects that benefit low-to-moderate (LMI) income families, which the center does as its LMI rate is 51.5 percent. To be approved, the ELC and county must provide matching funds as well as cover the just over $2 million left remaining in project costs. The ELC is planning to fundraise, apply for additional grants, pledges from supporters and obtain a private loan to cover total costs. Those interested in showing financial support can donate online using the link provided below, or mailing donations to PO Box 125, Churdan, IA, 50050. The project’s official website has been linked for those with questions or looking for more information.
