By: Ryan Duey

The Greater Manhattan Community Foundation (GMCF), in collaboration with the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce and Ascension Via Christi, has partnered with the Flint Hills Community Accelerator Program and other area entities to break ground on the Childcare Business Initiative (CBI) facility in early October, marking a significant step forward in creating long-term solutions to Manhattan’s childcare shortage crisis.

The facility will house area services along with eight childcare rooms, helping grow Childcare workers in the community. Vern Henricks, President and CEO of GMCF, detailed how the initiative will help the childcare community grow.

This initiative is funded by state grants and local funding. The facility will also help grow entrepreneurs in the area, with support from start to finish while at the new facility. Henricks said three individuals made this dream a reality.

They hope to have the facility built and running by next August, before the start of the new school year. More information on CBI and its initiatives can be found on their Facebook page or website.