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Rebecca Creek Christian Ministries (RCCM) has been awarded a three-year, $150,000 grant from the McKenna Foundation to expand its early childhood education program and increase access to affordable, high-quality childcare for families in far west Comal County.

The grant will support the expansion of RCCM’s on-campus childcare center, addressing the growing need for accessible childcare in the community.

In response to the significant shortage of early childhood options in rural Comal County, RCCM began developing a thoughtful and sustainable plan to fill that gap. Through a one-year-long pilot childcare program and active participation in Early Matters New Braunfels, the organization confirmed strong demand and secured an experienced childcare provider, Inspiring Hearts Day School, to lead the expansion.

“We are thrilled to have Rebecca Creek Christian Ministries actively engaged in Early Matters New Braunfels and a part of its steering committee,” said McKenna CEO Alice Jewell. “Their partnership represents one of the Foundation’s first major steps in advancing our Early Childhood Development Work Plan.”

In May 2026, the McKenna Foundation’s Board of Directors approved a $150,000 grant over three years to advance this initiative.

“Our partnership with the McKenna Foundation has been a tremendous blessing that goes well beyond the financial grants, and we are very grateful for it. This investment will allow us to help many families in our community who desperately need quality, affordable care and early learning for their children as they strive to provide for their families!” said Pastor James Leinneweber, RCCM Founder and Chairman.

According to Leinneweber, the expansion will increase RCCM’s capacity to more than 40 seats for children ages 18 months to five years.

The learning center will also pursue Texas Rising Star certification, the state’s quality rating system for early childhood education programs, ensuring that children receive high-quality care. RCCM will support eligible families in securing scholarships through Texas Workforce Commission Child Care Services and will work to reduce costs to families through strategic public funding and business partnerships.

“Our vision is to ensure that families in our community no longer have to choose between quality childcare and financial stability,” Leinneweber said.

With construction and expansion efforts underway, RCCM looks forward to welcoming more children and families into a high-quality learning environment that supports healthy development, prepares children for success, and strengthens the community by making affordable childcare more accessible.

Building upon Rebecca Creek Baptist Church’s Helping Hands Food Pantry, which was recognized as the San Antonio Food Bank’s Food Pantry of the Year in 2019, RCCM was established as an independent nonprofit to strengthen initiatives such as early childhood education.

Visit www.inspiringheartssa.com to learn more about Inspiring Hearts Day School. For more information on RCCM, please visit www.rccmtx.org.