Lower Lights child enrichment Center
Planting seeds of justice for children & families!
Lower Lights Ministries has seen firsthand the injustices in our country's childcare industry. We have long envisioned an effective response that would help the youngest and most vulnerable members of our community and their families. The Child Enrichment Center is that response and the biggest expansion in our 30-year history! As we stepped into our 4th decade with a passion for justice, God opened doors for this incredible vision to become a reality; all we could do was say ‘yes’ and walk through it.
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In our under-resourced neighborhoods, the children, the parents trying to provide for them, and the employees trying to care for them all face overwhelming odds.
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28% of low-income children passed their kindergarten readiness tests in 2018, compared to 60% from higher-income homes.
Low-income parents, working to improve their economic status, face issues of availability for their work hours, access and quality.
Ohio’s average pay for employees in childcare centers is $13.42, and disproportionately affects low-income women and women of color.
In response, Lower Lights Ministries created an innovative, 3-pronged plan to address the compounded issues facing low-income families. In February, 2022 Lower Lights purchased a building to house the Child Enrichment Center.
who will be impacted?
children
Quality early childhood education and care for 50-60 children ages 0-13 focusing on social-emotional strength and resilience, including an after-school program that works closely with each child’s teacher and family for academic success.
families
Affordable, dependable childcare for parents located in the neighborhood, open 12 hrs. each weekday, that also offers access to parenting classes, financial mentoring, addiction support, medical care and more.
employees
Equitable employment program for childcare workers that provides a career pathway through certifications, performance mentoring, continuing education and college tuition, all while employed with benefits and pay 25% above industry standards.
the building & budget
Operational yearly budget - $496,000. 50% of operating costs for 2023 have already been raised.
Acquisition budget - $500,000. Total funds secured, building at 2323 Sullivant Avenue purchased Feb. 2022.
Renovation budget - $1,200,000. Construction begins July 20, 2022. $225,000 has already been raised.
join us on this journey TO JUSTICE!
To make this vision a reality we need to raise $1.5 million. You can change the future by getting involved, donating, and becoming an advocate for low-income children, families, and childcare workers!
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The Lower Lights Child Enrichment Center is not just about affordable childcare, it’s about providing a chance at a better life. A chance at wholeness. It’s an opportunity to offer support, safety, compassion, justice, and most importantly, a future that they would most likely not have known.
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The Child Enrichment Center is our chance to change the future.
We need investors to join us in building that future.
INVEST
CULTIVATE
IMPACT
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Make an impact by donating to make this a reality and by sharing this with friends, family, or employers who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families.
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Want to do more?
Donate from our Amazon Wish List >>>>
THANK YOU TO OUR major funding partners
Bill and Linda Cleverley
Summit Construction
Charley's Kids Foundation
Montei Foundation
The Columbus Foundation
Arledge Construction
Elevated Integrity Construction
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