By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Manhattan has taken a step forward in meeting childcare needs in the community. The ribbon cutting and grand opening for the new Flint Hills Community Accelerator and Childcare Business Initiative was held Thursday at 2423 Kimball Ave.
The project includes eight fully equipped childcare suites operated by independent providers who are receiving direct mentorship and business support through the program.
CBI was established in response to the childcare shortage facing the Manhattan region. Governor Kelly told the audience that the facility was popular when Kansans come together with a shared vision, "and a commitment to bettering the lives of their friends. families and their neighbors."
Kelly said that the celebration showed just how far innovative outside the box thinking can take us. "The Flint Hills Community Accelerator is a groundbreaking center that will integrate community services under one roof." The Governor also added, "Focusing on the four pillars of childcare, employment, education and healthcare this hub puts the needs of the greater Manhattan community first."
The facility brings together the Childcare Business Initiative, Manhattan Area Technical College, Kansas WorkforceONE and Manhattan Free Clinic. Together, these partners offer solutions in childcare, education, employment and healthcare where parents can pursue education, job seekers can access training, entrepreneurs can launch businesses and families can receive affordable care.
Nearly $8 million in public and private funding financed the project. Land was donated for the facility by Ascension Via Christi.