Women United, a donor network of United Way Quad Cities, on Monday, Oct. 9, announced a total of $200,000 in grants being awarded to support underserved families in the region.
These investments are strategically designed to bolster access to high-quality child care and remove barriers to kindergarten readiness, the organization said in a news release.
“Access to quality child care and kindergarten-readiness programs are essential to ensure that every child starts on their educational journey with confidence,” Amy Crist, co-chair of Women United, said, emphasizing the importance of the investments.
“These grants have been made possible by our generous Women United donors and dedicated members, symbolizing our unwavering commitment to ensure every child enters kindergarten ready to thrive and on a path to read by third grade.”
Rene Gellerman, president and CEO of United Way Quad Cities, added: “These dollars exemplify the impact of people-powered change. Women United members are at the forefront of advocating for quality child care and early learning in the Quad Cities, actively supporting their convictions with their generous time and contributions.
Organizations receiving Women United Grants, collectively totaling $200K, include:
- Community Action of Eastern Iowa
- EveryChild
- SAL Community Services
- YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley
“These strategic investments will not only bridge gaps in early childhood education but also pave the way for brighter futures and more equitable opportunities for the children of the Quad Cities,” Ms. Gellerman added.
Over the past 12 years, Women United – driven by a group change-makers and passionate philanthropists – has raised and invested more than $6 million to increase access to quality child care and preschool for underserved children. Its efforts have empowered parents with the tools they need to be their child’s first and best teacher, and supports the development, attraction and retention of the child care workforce.
According to the release from United Way, research consistently underscores the profound impact of high quality early childhood education. In fact, United Way said 90% of a child’s brain development occurs before age 5.
And yet, these critical experiences are not available to all children, and are particularly lacking for those in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Too many children from these areas enter kindergarten underprepared to succeed.
United Way said each application was considered based on several key factors, including being previously reviewed during United Way’s spring 2023 Community Impact Grant process.
In addition, the organization’s track record, alignment with Women United’s mission, potential to impact educational equity, and the innovative approaches they proposed were assessed.
For more information about United Way QC’s Women United donor network, visit www.unitedwayqc.org/womenunited.
