The Custer County Economic Development Corporation has long recognized the need to enhance childcare services in Broken Bow. The scarcity of such services, a common issue in many Nebraska communities, has been a significant hurdle in employee recruitment and workforce retention. The CCEDC has been diligently exploring avenues to address this issue in Broken Bow, and their efforts have only recently been successful.
The Custer County Economic Development Corporation partnered with Precious Angels Daycare in Broken Bow, hoping to expand their space and services. CCEDC asked its members if they would pledge money to help Precious Angels’ owners, Dan and Mary Shaw, purchase the Berean Bible Church City Campus. The response was incredible, and in a short time, the member’s pledges exceeded the CCEDC goal.
CCEDC President Jami Anderson told KCNI/KBBN News that the response from business leaders was a pleasant surprise. However, Ms. Anderson noted that several businesses they contacted had stories of challenges in keeping and hiring employees due to a lack of child care. Ms. Anderson said she was delighted the Custer County Development Corporation’s pledge drive was successful.
The funds raised by CCEDC will help facilitate Precious Angels Daycare’s acquisition of the Berean Bible Church Campus, with a contribution of approximately half of the purchase price. Mary Shaw told KCNI/KBBN News that they started the project by reaching out to see if it was even possible, and things have taken off from there. When asked if she had been surprised by the support, Mrs. Shaw said, “We feel very humbled by the fact the community is backing us the way they are. It has been a humbling experience, to say the least. I had never looked for help from anywhere before, so when the economic people reached out to us, I wasn’t even looking to them. When the CCEDC reached out to us regarding our thoughts about a children’s daycare at the Berean Bible Church Campus, I told them we had already submitted a bid to purchase the church, and they jumped on the wagon from there. Support from the community has been great.”
In adherence to state regulations, the facility will undergo necessary upgrades to its fire alarm system, and a comprehensive security system will be installed to ensure the safety and controlled access to the building. Additionally, drainage issues around the building will be addressed, and the HVAC system will be maintained or replaced as needed. Precious Angels Daycare has budgeted for these improvements.
Precious Angles Daycare is currently licensed for 32 infants and 55 toddler/preschool children for a total of 87 spots. The square footage of the new facility will allow the daycare to at least double its capacity to 174 childcare spots.
Owner-operator Mary Shaw and her key employee Sara Arnold envision infant care in the existing building’s nursery and sanctuary area. The main floor has a gymnasium and a full kitchen. The basement has an open play area and several rooms. Numerous bathrooms are located throughout the facility, making it easier to meet state requirements. Several rooms upstairs that had been used for Sunday School, may now provide enrichment learning and motor skills enhancement activities.
Shaw said they could not set a date for moving into the church at this time because of the necessary upgrades and hiring contractors.
