Salina Area United Way is very pleased to announce that the organization has received a $6,000 donation from Equity Bank to the Early Childcare Initiative Fund. Their donation will help sponsor a local childcare teacher to ensure that they earn a living wage, helping to keep our centers fully staffed, which will in return open more childcare slots.
This donation is once again another step forward by local Salina businesses in making strong and lasting steps in combating childcare issues and shortages due to workforce in Saline County. Equity Bank is the sixth business in our community to step up and support the Salina Area United Way Childcare Initiative.
Last year, Salina Area United Way announced the start and opening of the Early Childcare Initiative Fund at their organization. Through this fund, local centers will be able to apply on an annual basis for wage supplement grants, to bring assistant teachers to $15/hr. and lead teachers to $18/hr. Currently nearly all childcare centers in Saline County, except for one, are paying $4 less than the wages listed above.
“Equity Bank understands and supports the need for childcare in all of our markets we serve,” says Regional President, Larry Britegam. “We are excited to partner with Salina Area United Way to help fulfill this need in our community!”
Salina Area United Way hopes that throughout 2024 more local businesses in the community will continue to get on board with the crucial Childcare Initiative in Saline County, donate to the Early Childhood Initiative Fund, and see the impact it can make on the workforce and recruitment and retention of workers.
For more information about Salina Area United Way and the Early Childhood Initiative Fund, or how you can donate, please call the SAUW office at 785-827-1312 or email the Early Childcare Initiative Director, Christina Small. Stay tuned for more upcoming information regarding the Early Childcare Initiative Fund.