Planting a $30k seed

Shelby Electric Cooperative (SEC) presented a $30,000 joint contribution to the Shelby County Child Care Consortium, Inc. on Thursday, October 22, to help with the development of the new Shelby County Early Learning Center (SCELC). The presentation took place at the future location of the SCELC located at 200 North Morgan Street in Shelbyville, Illinois.

SEC's $30,000 total contribution includes the matching funds from CoBank, a cooperative bank dedicated to investing in rural infrastructure.

“A lack of dependable childcare doesn’t just impact individual households—it limits the economic potential of our entire community,” said Faith Wheeler, Member Services Specialist at SEC. “No parent should have to sacrifice their career just because childcare is out of reach.”

Additional funding was also provided by local groups such as First Federal Savings and Loan, Software Solutions Integrated, HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital, Shelby County Community Services Enterprises, Shelby County State Bank, P&H Manufacturing, Rincker Law, and VFW Post 4829. Other businesses and community members have also stepped up and contributed.

"What makes our childcare center unique is that several businesses have pledged annual contributions to help offset operational costs. This will help us attract and retain high-quality employees while keeping the tuition affordable for parents," said Shannon Shallenberger Vice Chair of the consortium.

Demolition and the remodel of the old bank is underway and once completed, the Shelby County Early Learning Center will employ 20 staff members and serve an estimated 99 children ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years old.

Including the CoBank match, this $30,000 contribution brings the cooperative donations to area fundraising efforts throughout their 9-county service territory to over $230,000 through the CoBank Sharing Success program.