FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 13, 2024
CONTACT: Lake Area Improvement Corporation Executive Director Brooke Rollag, (605)256-0797, brooke@madisonworks.com
Early learning childcare center infused with $1 million grant
Lake Area Improvement Corporation recipient of Community Development Block Grant
Madison, SD – The Lake Area Improvement Corporation (LAIC) is proud to announce the award of a $1,020,000 Community Development Block Grant to help support the development of an early learning childcare center, a crucial initiative for the community.
The CDBG program provides funding to local governments to complete projects that improve living conditions. The program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).
“The LAIC extends its deepest gratitude to the State of South Dakota, Governor Kristi Noem, Deputy Commissioners Chris Schilken and Jesse Fonkert, and the entire GOED team for their belief in and support of Madison’s vision for early childhood education,” said LAIC Executive Director Brooke Rollag.
Included in the process of applying for a CDBG is an income survey. The Madison community enthusiastically participated in this process, symbolized by the bright orange envelopes. Each survey submitted played a role in securing the grant, demonstrating the power of community effort.
"When we started, we thought we had a slim chance of success, but our sheer determination and community spirit made it happen," said Rollag.
The early learning childcare center will play a pivotal role in nurturing young minds and providing high-quality childcare and early education to the children of Madison. This funding propels the project one giant leap closer to breaking ground on the construction of the new facility.
"This grant award is a significant milestone for our community,” LAIC President Eric Sinclair added. “It reflects the hard work and determination of everyone involved, from our dedicated team to the supportive residents of Madison. Together, we are building a brighter future for our children."
For more information about Madison’s early learning childcare center and the project’s progress, please visit https://childcare.madisonworks.com/ or contact Brooke Rollag at brooke@madisonworks.com.
The new facility will be owned by the LAIC and operated by EmBe. Together, they are dedicated to providing high-quality childcare and early education to children in the community. The mission is to create a nurturing environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive.