Adair, IA (July 11, 2025) — Officials with ITC Midwest says the company has committed $5,000 through a “Power of Connection” grant, to support Little Smiles & Company’s initiative: Investing in the Future of Childcare Options in Adair & Surrounding Communities. This funding, the company says, will enable a comprehensive childcare market analysis and financial modeling consultation to address the growing childcare needs in Adair, Casey and nearby areas.

Little Smiles & Company is a state-licensed childcare center in Adair, currently serving approximately 30 children from the region. Due to recent changes in the Department of Health and Human Services’ age grouping policies and a growing wait-list, the center – alongside the City of Adair and the Adair-Casey School District – identified the need to explore expansion options to better support working families and ensure long-term sustainability.

Local Government and Community Affairs Manager Scott Arnold gathers with
Board Member of Little Smiles & Company Erika Lundy-Woolfolk and two care providers at Little
Smiles & Company in Adair. (Photo & story submitted)

Little Smiles & Company Board Member Erika Lundy-Woolfolk said “We are grateful for ITC Midwest’s support as we take this important step toward expanding childcare access in our small-town communities. This funding will help us work with First Children’s Finance to understand the true demand for childcare and evaluate the feasibility of building a new center in
Adair.”

The $5,000 Power of Connection grant will help fund the engagement of First Children’s Finance, a third-party organization specializing in childcare business planning. Their analysis will guide data-based decisions to improve access to affordable and quality childcare and strengthen provider retention in the region.

“Childcare is essential to the vitality of rural communities,” said ITC Midwest President Dusky Terry. “We are proud to support Adair’s efforts to create sustainable solutions that benefit families, employers and the future of the community.”

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About the Power of Connection Program
The Power of Connection community grant program is an initiative of ITC Midwest and the Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC). This innovative economic development program is designed to pair rural communities seeking assistance with IRDC resource teams. Those teams drive both community conversations and solution development for problems or projects. Communities eligible for the Power of Connection program must have populations of under 10,000 and be outside of a metropolitan area. Power of Connection grant dollars cannot be used for construction, real estate or equipment.

About ITC Midwest
ITC Midwest LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp., the nation’s largest independent electricity transmission company. ITC Midwest operates more than 6,600 circuit miles of transmission lines in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin. ITC Midwest is headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and maintains regional operating facilities in Dubuque, Iowa City and Perry, Iowa; and Albert Lea and Lakefield, Minnesota. For further information visit www.itcmidwest.com. ITC is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For further information visit www.fortisinc.com.