Support United Way
To the Editor:
It's no secret that good, quality child care is an area of concern for many Marion County families. The 2004 Kansas Children's Report Card gave Marion County a D+ grade in the child care category. The county was graded in areas of child care quality, cost to parents, capacity, and subsidies.
Joyful Noise Community Child Care in Goessel is working hard to improve that grade. Since Joyful Noise opened its doors in 2001, children from Marion, Hillsboro, Goessel, Moundridge, Canton, and surrounding rural areas have received care through the day-care and school-age programs.
Joyful Noise's mission is to provide quality, affordable, Christian-based child care to families in Goessel and surrounding communities. It strives to be a stable and nurturing environment for children who attend, often providing developmental, educational, and emotional support that is, unfortunately, too often neglected in the home.
I remember several years ago, a young child, who had already been through several day-care providers due to behavior issues and a difficult home life, came to Joyful Noise. Joyful Noise took in the child and patiently spent time providing love and nurture for the child. The child continually challenged teachers who often struggled to keep the child calm and engaged in any activity for more than just a few minutes at a time. But they persevered and, within only a few months, the child was able to sit down and quietly play a board game with the other children for more than an hour. Joyful Noise is committed to the well- being and growth of each individual child.
Joyful Noise would not exist but for the generosity of those who provide financial support for this ministry. United Way is a vital part of Joyful Noise's support system.
In contributing to United Way of Marion County, you contribute to the improvement of child care for families right here, where we live — for your children, your children's friends and classmates, your neighbor's children, and your grandchildren.
United Way is not just a fund-raising organization that raises money for far-off, obscure causes but is a group of dedicated people who is committed to making our own community a better place to live and raise our families. That's what matters. Please give to United Way.
Sheri Schmidt
Board President
Joyful Noise Community Child Care
