COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A collaborative group of over 20 supporting partners spearheaded by the Branch County Community Foundation and the Branch County Great Start presented a plan and request to the Branch County Board of Commissioners Thursday to open an Early Education Childcare Center in the former Branch County Mental Health/Pines Behavioral building at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Orleans Boulevard.
Mike Tighe, a Success Coach with the Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, said there is a desperate need for more childcare in the county.
The plan calls for the proposed childcare center will be a resource hub for parents in the community, providing early education services, parent workshops, and supportive services. The group also indicated community economic impact and employer return can be seen within just a few years.
The plan includes a capital campaign to raise funds for renovation and initial operations. The Branch County Community Foundation will act as fiduciary for philanthropic capital.
The group plans on updating the commission on their progress in six months.
