Lehigh Valley Marketplace

By Faith Brenneisen

While parents and children alike may be over the back-to-school flurry of activities involving the purchase of pencils, notebooks, and backpacks, there are larger-scale expenses for which many families still must face. Now, more than ever, many Lehigh Valley families have childcare concerns.

Different personal circumstances along with the challenged economy have had a profound impact on the ability of families to care for their children. For example, Destiny (whose name has been changed to protect her identity), a 26-year old, single mom who receives no child support, is committed to providing for her son even through life’s demands. “In order to file for child support through the state, I must provide the father’s contact information; but for my family’s safety, I don’t wish to pursue his whereabouts.”

Fortunately, while Destiny was working toward her Associates Degree in Education, she learned about Lehigh Valley Children’s Center (LVCC), formerly Lehigh Valley Childcare, a 40 year-old local nonprofit organization with 22 locations throughout the Lehigh Valley. With over 200 employees, serving children from six weeks through 12 years of age, LVCC is able to help families in crisis like Destiny’s.
Before her relationship with Lehigh Valley Children’s Center, Destiny was paying full price for daycare which was an outlay totaling about 75% of her paycheck or $160 weekly. As a result of this cumbersome expense, she tells us, “I fell behind on other bills.” She couldn’t afford to pay her rent or even her utilities. “Everything except childcare fell behind.” She sighs heavily as she explains that she is still behind yet still attempting to catch up on several months of missed utility and other bills.

“I have less stress because I know I can continue working. I feel good being able to put a roof over our heads.”

Destiny’s spirits remain high because her son is in a safe learning environment, showing marked developmental improvement, that she can afford. “I was sick wondering how I was going to make ends meet.” It is important to Destiny that she is able to provide for her family. “I have less stress because I know I can continue working. I feel good being able to put a roof over our heads.” Even with all that she owes, she sees a light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks to a scholarship through LVCC, she pays $35/week now for childcare. Paying less for her son’s education and safety will allow her to afford her other living expenses and begin to pay down her debt.

Scholarships offered through LVCC are based on a sliding scale with the following applicant criteria: (1) must be working or pursuing their education, (2) on a waiting list for Child Care Works, a government subsidy program, and (3) meet income guidelines. Destiny applied for government funding approximately seven months ago. She is still on a waiting list.

Carrie Ackinclose Gerber, Marketing and Communications Manager at LVCC, recently announced that the organization has now distributed over one million dollars in scholarship funding to families in need. During the 2007-2008 fiscal year, LVCC provided $73,530 in scholarship assisted services – propelling the organization over the $1,000,000 mark. The LVCC Scholarship Fund was created in 1988 as a source of help and hope for families in financial crisis or while waiting for government childcare subsidies to become available. Since its inception, LVCC’s Scholarship Fund has helped over 1,850 children receive quality early education and care.

Ms. Gerber explains the serious level of need for the agency’s services in the Lehigh Valley. “People are losing a job, then accepting a lower paying job or even two jobs in an effort to compensate for the loss of income. In many cases, it’s still not enough.” LVCC does its best to help as many families in crisis as possible. Until the state or economy can provide relief, LVCC is often able to temporarily provide scholarships while families in need await subsidies.

Even in the current economic climate, the need for childcare services is growing. LVCC recently opened two new locations. Their first-ever intermediate school location opened this year serving families at the Nazareth Area Intermediate School. Another full-service location opened on William Penn Highway in Palmer Township with capacity for 140 children from six weeks through 10 years of age.
These may be difficult financial times, but there are people who are willing to help. Families interested in applying for a scholarship should talk to a center director, visit www.LVCConline.org or call 610-820-5333. To support the work of LVCC, contributions can be mailed to 1501 Lehigh Street, Suite 208, Allentown, PA 18103.

Faith Brenneisen has more than 15 years’ experience working in nonprofit organizations and is passionate about “Making A Difference” both personally and professionally.