Family Resource Center renovation project seeks support
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Plans continue to evolve for the remodel/expansion project at the Family Resource Center (FRC) in Mount Ayr, and they are asking for your support.
The FRC will begin serving 0-3 age children starting in August. Previously the Center served children 0-12, rented space to the Mount Ayr Community School 4-year-old preschool program, and Head Start.
These two programs will be moving to Mount Ayr Elementary School in the fall. In order to meet the needs and state requirement to serve the 0-3 population, some remodel needed to be completed.
After assessing the needs, it was decided by the FRC Board to move forward with this estimated $850,000 remodel/expansion project of the 25-year-old building.
This project would include replacement of many of the original systems that have outlived their useful expectancy and are requiring costly repairs.
The project includes systems such as HVAC, plumbing and electrical along with the renovation and upgrades to the playground, interior and exterior of the building, and equipment and instructional materials for the newly added classrooms.
A partial listing of estimated costs include:
• $161,555 for two rubberized playground areas, shade solution, two storage sheds for outdoor equipment, a NatureScape play area and front entry sidewalk improvements.
• $110,750 for furnaces, three central air units, plumbing, replacement of 100 light fixtures with LED lights.
• $109,006 for interior upgrades such as doors, flooring, paint, office expansion, classroom and kitchen cabinetry, restrooms and addition of a restroom on the upper level.
• $50,070 for siding, soffit, fascia, gutters and cupola.
• $35,914 for classroom equipment and instructional materials.
• $26,468 for replacement of appliances.
• $11,899 for office equipment.
At the recent meeting of the FRCD board, center director Brenda Adams reported seven grant applications totally over $1 million had already been submitted, but the likelihood of all seven being granted was slim.
Three of the seven grant applications have already been awarded grants – a $9,977 Quad Core grant, a $5,000 Power of Connection grant/ITC, and a $2,000 SWI Rural Electric Cooperative grant.
The remaining applications are yet to be approved, which include two Investing in Iowa Childcare grants totaling $326,380 and a $14,189 grant from the Ringgold County Community Foundation.
The largest grant application is through U.S. Representative Cindy Axne’s office which could provide $725,336 in funding.
The FRC’s application was one of ten submitted by Axne for consideration. Other House members could also submit applications, so the awarding of that grant remains a long shot.
The FRC will be submitting a grant application to Dekko this week asking for their assistance with the project as well.
Adams asks for community support to help fund this project if grant awards fall short.
“Lots of children have gone through our facility,” she said. “Child care is part of the infrastructure of our community. We need community support.”
She said children will be fundraising with lemonade stands during Ayr Days and Homecoming.
In addition, FRC is seeking financial donations through a community support campaign.
“The Family Resource Center plays a very important role for economic development in Ringgold County,” commented Jodie Geist, Executive Director of Ringgold County Development. “Parents need daycare in order to work, and businesses need employees. The FRC provides a much-needed service for Ringgold County.”
“We are a 501(c)(3) organization,” Adams said. “Any donations are tax deductible for anyone wishing to donate towards this project.”
Donations to the Family Resource Center may be dropped off at the Center, mailed to FRC, 302 N. Lincoln Street, Mount Ayr, IA 50854, or an account for donations has been set up at City State Bank in Mount Ayr.
For further information, contact Adams at the Resource Center (641-464-3385) between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. or her personal cell (515-868-1150).
