November 2011 Baxter Early Learning Center had some tough decisions to make. Recovering from a tough economy some changes were made. I have been with BELC for almost six years now as the director and alongside BELC has been United Way! I Joined BELC in December and we received a life-saving grant from United Way in January. I am proud to say, United Way has been with us since I started and we are so very thankful for them.
Baxter Early Learning Center serves more than 120 children ages 6 to 12. We have a 3-year-old preschool, 4-year-old preschool, before and after school and a Summer program. United Way’s funding has primarily been helping BELC with our summer program. Part of the struggles rural towns face with summer programs is finding affordable activities and field trips. United Way has allowed us to provide two field trips a week for our children as well as educational activities twice a week. We have been able to take our children to Lake Red Rock to explore the beauty of the lake. We also got to go clear over to Polk City to Jester Park Natural Playscape as well as many other educational field trips. It has truly made a difference in our program and we are so thankful for all they have done for BELC.
United Way is a program that helps many nonprofits within Jasper County. Please consider donating to United Way. As United Way says “Together we do more than any of us could do alone!”
Tiffany Finch
Baxter Early Learning Center Director
