Iowa West Foundation Awards MLCDC $50K Grant for Childcare Programs in Council Bluffs
Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation (MLCDC, midlandslatinocdc.org) recently announced that it was awarded a $50,000 one-year grant from Iowa West Foundation, which will allow MLCDC to invest in training opportunities for Latina women who want to open an inhome daycare in southwest Iowa. This training is part of MLCDC’s Industry Training Program and helps low- and moderate-income women achieve self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship. Many of the nonprofit’s training-program participants are underemployed and do not have English as their first language.
The COVID-19 pandemic created unique challenges for MLCDC clients, most notably the suspension of onsite classes at the center. In March 2020, however, MLCDC transitioned to virtual trainings, allowing more individuals to receive training while remaining compliant with the health regulations and social-distancing measures. With the help of the new grant, the Industry Training Program can provide resources to the Latinas in Iowa who are dedicated to being licensed childcare providers. This grant will help increase the number of Latino Childcares in Council Bluffs and will promote high-quality childcare services. Training includes everything from creating a business plan to childcare development, marketing plans, technical assistance, and small working capital.
Many people know of the Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation as a place where individuals receive training to open childcares, but the mission at the heart of the organization is to provide training opportunities to low- and moderate-income individuals to achieve financial stability and economic growth through entrepreneurship. For more information, visit midlandslatinocdc.org or call (402) 933-4466.