Posted on

McKenna Foundation launches early childhood care initiative

The McKenna Foundation, in collaboration with Early Matters San Antonio and the New Braunfels Economic Development Foundation, has officially launched the Path Forward for Early Learning and Care initiative following the inaugural session on August 24.

The event marked a significant milestone, uniting over 20 local childcare providers and 25 local business leaders in two separate but parallel sessions. These sessions provided a platform to voice concerns, share knowledge, and initiate the development of an improved early childhood ecosystem in New Braunfels.

In the session for providers, they were guided to posters on the walls displaying statements regarding the current state of early childcare in New Braunfels and tasked with identifying which ones resonated most with them. One of the statements that resonated most was, “The System is broken – it costs parents too much and we cannot pay educators enough.”

The numbers support this reality. In Comal County, an average of 11.5% of a family’s income is allocated to childcare, significantly surpassing the 7% threshold considered to be affordable. This was underscored by one provider who noted that a colleague could not afford childcare for their child at their center. Another highlighted that low wages are driving employees away from the sector, often to the food service or retail industries, where the pay is higher and the work less demanding.

Regarding employment, guest speaker Sara Redington of The Best Place for Working Parents highlighted to local business leaders the advantages of investing in childcare policies, noting that 83% of millennials would switch jobs for one that offers stronger family support and policies.

The assembly of childcare professionals also expressed concerns over a lack of awareness of the crucial brain development in the earliest stages of life. This topic was not only prevalent among the childcare providers but also among local business leaders who attended the corresponding session.

During the meeting with local business leaders, Pre-K 4 SA CEO Sarah Baray emphasized that 90% of brain development occurs before age five. This period is marked by a surge in synapse development, crucial for learning and memory formation. Within this realm, childcare professionals voiced concerns that their pivotal role in this stage is not widely recognized, emphasizing that they are seen as babysitters rather than educators.

Local providers further shared their worries about the increasing complexity of regulations, mandates, and certification demands. “The regulations that they have make it nearly impossible to take care of a child,” stated one local provider. Another added that we “need to find a way to regulate it without squeezing our necks.”

Mark Larson, the Executive Director of Early Matters San Antonio, supported these concerns. He noted that as of the beginning of April, only three of the 26 centers in New Braunfels will be eligible to accept scholarships and subsidies due to stringent regulations come October 2024. Specifically, centers will have to achieve a Texas Rising Star rating to receive scholarships, a process that is lengthy and expensive.

Though these initial discussions focused on brainstorming and education, they laid the groundwork for tackling the challenges faced by the early childcare sector in New Braunfels. With a draft of goals, strategies, and actions set into motion, future sessions will focus on implementing measures to advance this initiative and enhance the early childhood environment in the community.

McKenna would like to extend its gratitude to the following stakeholders and providers for sharing your expertise and perspectives in the first Path Forward for Early Learning and Care session: First Protestant School, CRRC, The Pillars Christian Learning Center, Gruene Tree Learning Center, Learning Their Way, Triple L Ranch, the Family Life Center, St. Paul Lutheran, Belong, the New Braunfels Food Bank, Ms. Debbie’s Darlings Preschool, the City of New Braunfels, and all else involved.

The next meeting is scheduled for October 5, from 10 am to 1 pm at the McKenna Events Center. If you did not attend the first session but would like to participate in the upcoming sessions, RSVP by emailing kfain@mckenna.org.

Posted on

When are donations just not enough?

Note: This is the second of three articles aimed at raising awareness around the impact, importance, and struggles of nonprofits in the lead-up to The Big Give on September 18-19, 2024. Read the first article here.

The business model of nonprofit organizations presents unique challenges, particularly during a time when inflation and political landscapes are shifting. For many local nonprofits, a downward trend in community contributions is beginning to threaten their most vital lifeline.

 Donations are a lifeline

 

Charitable donations and philanthropy are the driving forces for nonprofit organizations. These two distinct actions are crucial for supporting the mission of a nonprofit and are essential for its survival.

However, relying on donations and grants presents unique challenges. These funding sources are inconsistent and unpredictable, making it difficult for nonprofits to financially plan for their operations and programs. In many ways, nonprofit organizations rely on the community for support so that they, in turn, can support the community.

Donating to a local nonprofit is a voluntary expense for individuals, corporations, and foundations. So, why should the community support nonprofits in this way?

The main reason is to ensure that nonprofit-based services, which are intentionally poised to sustain and improve lives, can continue. For instance, a local nonprofit that serves senior citizens heavily depends on donations to combat senior isolation and food insecurity.  A recent decline in donations and volunteers has jeopardized services, which provides over 85,000 meals to 570 local seniors annually. Without community support, seniors could be neglected and even go hungry. In no instance should anyone in this community allow this vital nonprofit to disappear.

Similarly, another local nonprofit provides care to families with children with special healthcare needs and offers autism education and bereavement support for those who experience the death of a child.  This organization served around 527 individuals and families in New Braunfels and Comal County in 2023. Their mission is alive due to donations, events and philanthropy. As financial support for this niche service model declines, a reduction in care for the community’s most vulnerable families follows.

A downward trend

 

Money coming into nonprofits has been on a gradual decline since the pandemic. Despite 2023 recording the highest tidal wave in charitable contributions ever at $557.16 billion nationwide, overall giving dropped by 2.1% after adjusting for inflation, according to Giving USA 2023. In 2022, after inflation adjustments, contributions fell by 10.5%.

Downturns, due either to global shifts or donors’ financial situations, have a direct impact on nonprofit organizations.  Like the donors, nonprofits are also hit by inflation and economic uncertainty. Their vulnerability, however, is heightened because they depend on donations and grants, but unlike for-profit businesses, they cannot increase prices.

Presidential election years also pose unique challenges for nonprofits. In times of uncertainty, donors may hesitate when considering who, where and how much to give due to shifting priorities and fear of what may come. The inevitable fluctuation of public opinion further complicates an unpredictable giving cycle. When donors hold back, nonprofits encounter increased competition for dollars on top of the complex fundraising programs they must execute to acquire those funds.

Nonprofits involved in prominent, higher-profile issues often receive more funds, which leaves other critical organizations competing for the remaining resources. In the face of inflation, an election, and dwindling donations, the capacity of nonprofits diminishes significantly, while the demand for their essential services grows exponentially.

Moving forward in faith

 

Despite downward trends in giving, local nonprofit organizations continue to push through tough times to give back to the community that has stood by them. Amidst economic uncertainties and political distress, these organizations remain optimistic about the future. They move forward in faith that the community they aid will continue to support their work.

Thankfully, fundraising initiatives such as The Big Give offer nonprofits a chance to increase outreach, tell their stories, and further engage with the community to raise needed funds. As they navigate difficult times, please lend your support. Your donations and volunteer efforts give them a lifeline to do things like feed hungry seniors and support our most fragile families.