Mother Son Dance 2024
2-10-2024 CDA Hosted a Mother Son Dance at the Alma Elks! We had a lot of fun dancing and getting our pictures taken!
Our fundraiser brought in a net $2,145.82, with a match from United Way!
Thank you to our event sponsors! Serendipity provided our snack refreshments, and Biggby of St. Louis provided lemonade and hot chocolate! Thank you to Captured Memories by Jaqueline for taking professional photos of our guests!
Serendipity Frozen Custard & Doughnuts- https://www.facebook.com/SerendipityAlma
Biggby of St. Louis- https://www.facebook.com/biggbycoffeeofstlouismi
Captured Memories by Jaqueline- https://www.capturedmemoriesphotographybyjacquelinephotography.com/
We look forward to doing this event again in the future!
CDA Awarded United Way Matching Grant
2-1-2024, United Way awarded CDA with a $5,000 matching grant for February 2024! All funds up to $5,000 will be matched by United Way, making your donations go further! CDA is hosting two fundraising events in February to help reach the goal! See our Events tab for more information on these fundraising events!
Fundraising Goal of $81,000 Set for Renovations
8-15-2023, CDA contracted with Freed Construction to complete the renovations at the new building. An estimated cost of $77,000.
9-8-2023, CDA contracted with Dennis Maloney, architect to complete official drawings for Gratiot County and the State of Michigan, an estimated cost of $3,000.
Community Member Hosts Pampered Chef
Fundraiser for CDA
8-14-2023, Community Member, Chris Emery hosts a fundraising party for CDA! Place orders by 8-26-2023 to help CDA fund their renovations.
https://www.pamperedchef.com/party/cdafundraiser
Pre-Licensure Grant is Awarded to CDA
8-11-2023, as part of Michigan’s Caring for MI Future, Our Strong Start initiative, CDA was awarded $10,000 to go towards the cost of licensing our new location. Some of these funds have been spent already-
$350 in May for our initial fire inspection to determine if our Jerome location would be fit to lease and apply for a license. This gives us a checklist of items to correct before completing the fire re-inspection and moving on to the other inspections required of centers before obtaining our license to operate.
$250 in June to the State of Michigan to begin the process of licensing our Jerome location with LARA.
$200 in August to the City of Alma for our zoning Special Use Permit. This is required by the City of Alma as the Jerome location is in a section of the city zoned General Industrial. Thank you to Aeric Ripley and the City of Alma Planning Commission for making this process quick and easy!
The remainder of the funds have been approved for the following expenses:
Business supplies
Signage for the property to make the center easier to locate.
Childcare furniture
changing table, lockers/cubbies for children, classroom cabinets, closet shelving, and lunch tables.
Health and safety supplies
Outdoor fencing, portable sinks, stove, dishwasher, security cameras, vacuum, deep freezer, washer and dryer.
If you know of any gently used equipment under childcare furniture and health and safety supplies that CDA could purchase to stretch these grant dollars, please contact us!
Here is a link to more information about the Caring for MI Future initiative:
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/cclb/caring-for-mi-future
CDA Holds Yard Sale Fundraiser
7-13-2023, CDA hosted a huge, indoor yard sale to fundraise for renovations in the new location. Items for sale include office furniture and equipment left by the previous tenants; household items, clothes, holiday decorations, furniture, baby items, and more donated by CDA teachers, families, and the community! CDA also accepted donations of returnable cans and bottles, as well as cash donations
This sale ran officially from 7-13-2023 through 8-4-2023. The official total raised at the sale during this time is:
Sale items: $1,543.05
Donations: $141.48
Can and bottle donations: $30.30
Total: $1714.83
Currently, CDA still has items for sale on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay.
Craigslist:
https://centralmich.craigslist.org/search/sss?userpostingid=7665335499#search=1~gallery~0~0
Facebook Marketplace:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/profile/21708798
CDA at CK Closes After Over Two Years, Working
on Opening New Location
6-30-2023, CDA teachers and students had a field day and shared extra hugs on their last day. Thank you to the St. Louis Sharks for two wonderful years! CDA Teachers take a break over the 4th of July week, then move all the equipment into storage and to the new location.
We are incredibly humbled by the community, our wonderful families, our fantastic teachers, and most importantly- our incredible students, who have grown so much in our time together!
We will keep in touch as things progress, and we hope to see you all again soon!
CDA Joins East-Central Child Care Coalition
6-23-2023, Invited by our local Great Start Collaborative Coordinator, we are thrilled to be part of an 8-county coalition group that is addressing all of the critical issues facing Michigan’s families, childcare providers, and employers regarding access to childcare. Below are some data about Gratiot County and childcare reported by the coalition.
The coalition is actively seeking additional members who have a vested interest in helping to solve Michigan’s Childcare crisis: parents, childcare providers, any person that provides care for a child that is not their own, employers, people who work in systems that support the early childhood field, and those that work in municipalities.
Here is the Facebook page for the coalition: https://www.facebook.com/EastCentralMichiganChildCareCoalition
Please visit them to find out more about the work being done to address this critical need for many in our community! The information that is being discovered and shared by the coalition is incredible, and CDA is excited to see the policy recomendations that come from this effort!
Here are surveys for anyone affected by the childcare crisis to share their story. Please complete all surveys that pertain to your perspective, and share with anyone in Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, and Saginaw counties.
Parents and Familes:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeUeLyCXlji_TmOogNbQY5stArsI1DSvIbVf1yf1CSYTOYXIg/viewform
Childcare Staff:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZg2s6aIAJqljgmWXfTxTY2jdzoQXJMVyI_QPP0L9c_HIXFw/viewform
Childcare Providers, Owners, and Directors
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfiBy0X6oBX6Gn9C7eXTbFNj7RBm7OaBG10i3PFf0ZMzFtRNw/viewform
Employers (non-childcare):
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfTcQVy2ZoMtZuPs7f3Wn1egFdbTpRgPSvx_5XkNAbqo2wxhw/viewform
CDA Signs Lease at New Location
6-16-2023, Board President Cheryl Davis and Center Director Samantha Mitchell sign a lease at the new CDA location.
CDA Announces Move to Families and Teachers
4-2-2023, CDA shared the news with teachers and families that SLPS needs to use the classroom space that CDA uses. The last day of care will be June 30th, 2023. A community Stakeholder Meeting will be held at the Alma Public Library on 4-6-2023. Board Members are searching for new locations and asking for community support.
CDA Celebrates Two Years Open!
2-22-2023, CDA compiled data on the impact their center has had on the greater community. See the flyer below.
CDA Celebrates One Year Open!
2-22-2022, CDA Center Director, Samantha Mitchell and Board President, Cheyl Davis, attended the St. Louis Public Schools Shool Board Meeting on 2-21-2022. Samantha shared about the impact the partnership with SLPS has had on CDA, and how the community has benefited since CDA opened.
Photo caption: Left to Right: Cheryl Davis, Samantha Mitchell, Jennifer McKittrick. Cheryl and Samantha give SLPS a Thank You poster for their partnership!
THANK YOU!
2-22-2021, Thanks to the help of Gratiot/Isabella RESD, Saint Louis Public Schools, and the Michigan Masonic Home, we were able to open our childcare center at Carrie Knause Elementary School on 2-22-2021!
A huge thank you to everyone that donated to CDA, bought sensory items at the Farmer’s Market, helped us spread the word, attended our fundraisers, and volunteered to make this happen!
Silent Auction 2020
2-29-2020, Our 2nd Annual Silent Auction fundraiser helped to raise $550.13 after costs!
A Million thank yous to all of our donors and supporters!
Chili Cook-Off 2019
10-26-2019, Our 2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser helped raise $203.78 after costs!
Congratulations to our winners:
Tied for most flavorful- Ben Grohs with “Cumin Get It” and Canyon Platt of Alma’s Main Cafe for “Brisket Chili”
Spiciest- Alma Brewing Company’s “Spicy Beer Chili”
Most Unique- Serendipity Frozen Custard & Doughnuts’s “Loaded Candy Bar Custard” chili.
A gargantuan thank you to all of our donors and supporters of this event:
Alma’s Main Cafe
Grub A Dubs Restaurant
Highland Blush
Monroe Family Organics
The Whisked Away Bakery
Serendipity Frozen Custard & Doughnuts
Alma Brewing Company
Leslie Love
Jade Berkley
Ben Grohs
Brittany Mero
Dr. Garrett and Mrs. Andi Whitmore
Jessica Weatherwax
Shaver’s Produce
Christine Zerbe
Lindsey McMullen
Taylor’s Crafts
Kountry Cornhole
Silent Auction 2019
Our Silent Auction, held on 2-9-2019 at Highland Blush in Alma, made $686.52 after costs! We cannot thank our donors, supporters, and attendees enough! You all have been so generous!
Our Donors:
Serendipity Frozen Custard & Doughnuts
Highland Escapes
Child Advocacy-Gratiot County
Alma’s Main Cafe
AutoZone
LaLonde Hair Studio
The Blue Shamrock Pub
Emily Wallace- Scentsy https://emilywallace.scentsy.us/
Heatwave Tanning Salon
Cindy Lou’s Sweet Creations
Belleza Hair Designs
Allison Dunlap
Fringe 101 and Katheryn Barnes
Celebration Cinema
Susan Strawser
Ken’s Culligan and Total Water https://www.kensculligan.com/ and https://www.total-water.com/
Alma Brewing Co
Tom Billig Flowers & Gifts
Kathryn McVaugh
Academy of Performing Arts, Alma, Michigan
Douglas J Aveda Institute
Wines for Humanity, Kari Yerington www.winesforhumainity.com/kari
Jeanette Weed
Leslie Love
Alma Highland Festival & Games
Alma College
The Shop, Graphics and Design
Sherri Burkard, Mary Kay http://www.marykay.com/SherriBurkard
Essentially Londa, www.essentiallylonda.com
Katie Tobias – State Farm Insurance Agent
Taylor’s Crafts
Walmart Alma – N Alger Rd
Penelope’s Curiosities
Pepper Near
Samantha Mitchell
Royal Family KIDS Ithaca
Playball Worldwide
CAFÉ-n-Español
Ursus Coffee
Melissa Via Color Street https://www.facebook.com/naileditbymelissavia/
Michael Richard Floral Boutique
Third Coast Dance Company
Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Hoppough- Alma
We would also like to thank some anonymous donors!
An anonymous donor gave us the Chicago Cubs hat collection.
An anonymous donor dropped off two handmade baby quilts to Highland Blush on the day of the auction.
An anonymous donor gave us $10 on the day of the auction.
An anonymous donor gave us $200 to pay for the band, Sequence!
We want to sincerely thank everyone who was a part of planning, organizing, promoting, and supporting this event! Gratiot County is an amazing place to live, work, and play!
WMLM 1520 AM Interview
WMLM’s Dan Manley interviewed Children’s Discovery Academy Board Secretary, Samantha Mitchell about Children’s Discovery Academy on 1-12-2019. Listen below:
Alma Elks Award Children’s Discovery Academy,
Inc. with Gratitude Grant
Alma Elks Lodge #1400 awarded Children’s Discovery Academy, Inc. with a Gratitude Grant on Thursday, November 15, 2018.
At a special board meeting, Children’s Discovery Academy board members were honored to accept the $400 check from the grant, presented by Sue Helman, Elaine Helman-Boudreau, and Pat McCreery. The Board is incredibly thankful for the support of the Elks!
Children’s Discovery Academy Received Tax-
Exempt 501(c)(3) status with the IRS
Several businesses and community members of Alma rallied to help Children’s Discovery Academy to raise $600, in order to file for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS. Children’s Discovery Academy Board of Directors worked to compile the application and mailed it on 3-26-2018.
On 9-10-2018, CDA received its determination from the IRS and is now officially a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity.
Alma’s Farm Market
Children’s Discovery Academy, Inc. participated as a vendor at the Alma Farmer’s Market for the 2018 season, offering free educational children’s activities to the public that were open-ended and exploratory in nature. All activities covered at least one academic area, including Sensory, Math, Science, Art, Literacy, Music and Movement and Social.
*44 Markets Attended
*91 unique activities offered
*360 total children participated
*488 total return visits
*79 free books to participating children
Children’s Discovery Academy would like to thank the Alma Action Association and Pat Brown for organizing the Alma Farmer’s Market and for the opportunity to be a part of the 2018 Market season. Board members would also like to thank all of the Alma Farmer’s Market vendors: Shaver’s Produce, Whisked Away Bakery, Ted’s Honey, Wesenberg Produce, and Young’s Produce (The Corner Market) for all of their support and setting the tone for a welcoming sense of community during this season.
Children’s Discovery Academy Board of Directors would also like to thank the following businesses, organizations, and community members for their support of the activities at the Farmer’s Market:
Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum
Child Advocacy- Gratiot
The Alma Public Library
TimeMasters Escape Games
McGuirk Sand and Gravel
The Johnson Family
The City of Alma’s Public Works Department
The Vendors of the Alma Farmer’s Market
Pepper and Steve Near
The Shemes family
Highland Blush
Ken’s Culligan
Brad and Brenda Mitchell
Children’s Discovery Academy would especially like to thank the families and the community for attending the activities, providing feedback, and those who chose to donate funds or purchase homemade sensory items. Your support has been critical for the Board to move forward with opening a childcare center in Gratiot County!
Children’s Discovery Academy Contracts with CMU
Graduate Student for Internship
As of 5-2-2018, Children’s Discovery Academy’s Board of Directors contracted with a Central Michigan University Graduate Student, Nick Modglin for an internship. Nick will help the board in many areas including searching for and applying for grants, creating a fundraising plan, developing sponsorship packages, and other critical components for developing the nonprofit childcare business.
Nick graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Journalism from Central Michigan University. Currently, Nick is getting his Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from Central Michigan University. Nick’s niche is criminal justice specifically focusing on wrongful incarcerations and inmate recidivism rates.
Nick’s internship ended in late September. Nick is so passionate about our goals and mission, propelled by the drastic need for childcare in Gratiot County, he has decided to continue volunteering for Children’s Discovery Academy! Thank you for your dedication and support, Nick.
Any students desiring an internship working in the areas of nonprofit, grant writing, or board governance, please contact us at gratiotcountynonprofitlc@gmail.com
Childcare Desert in Gratiot County
A childcare desert is when there are at least 3 times the amount of children than there are licensed childcare spaces available.
Gratiot County has:
2,129 children aged 0-51
+ 2,967 children in grades K-62
Total: 5,069 children potentially needing childcare.
Year-Round licensed childcare capacity- 512 spaces available3.
When schools are not in session: 4,557 children (90%) do not have access to licensed childcare.
This is a crisis, and Children’s Discovery Academy is working to help increase the access to high quality, affordable childcare for the children and families of Gratiot County.
Sources: children aged 0-5, children in grades K-6, licensed childcare capacity