(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Community Foundation for Western Iowa has awarded Vision Atlantic a $10,000 grant from its Women’s Fund to support the construction of the Lakin Foundation Child Development Center of Atlantic. This center is one piece of Vision Atlantic’s transformational, three-pronged project.

“To the generosity and vision of hundreds of donors, the Women’s Fund of SW Iowa is able to provide this sort of necessary funding for important projects that impact the lives of women and their families,” Donna Dostal, President & CEO of the Community Foundation for Western Iowa stated. “We are proud to support this transformative community project that will help increase access to affordable, quality childcare for families in Atlantic and the surrounding areas. On behalf of the Women’s Fund granting committee and the Board of Directors at the Community Foundation for Western Iowa, we congratulate the Child Development Center and look forward to the future positive impact this important resource will create for the citizens of Atlantic.”

The Lakin Foundation Child Development Center of Atlantic, located within the Camblin Hills Housing Development, will accommodate up to 300 children and also house Jack & Jill Preschool, which is currently operated out of the Nishna Valley Family YMCA. The facility will feature larger rooms, an indoor play area, and a large outdoor playground. Rates for the facility have not been set yet, nor have reservations opened.

“Childcare is a critical factor for young families choosing where to live,” stated Christina Bateman, President of Vision Atlantic. “This generous contribution from the Community Foundation for Western Iowa will help address a significant need in our community, foster economic growth, and make Atlantic a more attractive place to call home.”

Pictured left to right: Kevin Cabbage, CF Board Member; Donna Dostal, CF President & CEO; Christina Bateman, Vision Atlantic; Christy Sauser, CF Board Member; Lucy Hough, CF Board Member; and Mick McKinley, CF Board Member. (Photo submitted)

Vision Atlantic’s comprehensive project addresses three key areas identified through community research: expanded childcare, quality housing, and enhanced quality of life. Infrastructure work at the Camblin Hills Housing Development is underway, with construction of homes and the child development center slated to begin in summer 2025. The YMCA expansion is set to begin construction later this year.

With substantial monetary support from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and local donors, $22.9 million of the current $30 million goal has been raised in the past 14 months. In addition to the Lakin Foundation’s $8.6 million grant, Vision Atlantic has also received an additional $23 million from the Foundation, which will act as a line of credit and help Vision Atlantic construct homes in the Camblin Hills Housing Development. As the dollars are paid back each year, the Foundation will donate up to 5% of the interest paid back to Vision Atlantic, which will be used to help operate the child development center. The $23 million is not part of Vision Atlantic’s $30 million goal.

Vision Atlantic is actively seeking additional funding to reach its goal. To contribute or volunteer, please contact visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com or visit www.visionatlantic.org. Follow Vision Atlantic on Facebook for project updates.