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 Daddy
Mom Childcare and Learning Center
Daddy
Mom Childcare and Learning Center – also called Daddy Mom
Daycare - is a CEF borrower that provides affordable quality childcare
to the southwest Denver community. Daddy Mom is a partner of the
Denver Preschool Program and is Qualistar Rated. Daddy Mom is a
non-profit child care center that is managed by its founders Laura and
Chris Gonzales.
According
to Laura and Chris, in the last 9 years the childcare industry has
changed drastically, putting the focus on providing a quality education
program for children. It’s no longer about babysitting – it’s
about curriculum, development, age-appropriate play and stimulating
environments. Quality child care must be focused on preparing
children for Kindergarten. “Families are seeking an experienced
quality program; we offer both. Our waiting list tells us we are
doing something right!”
Daddy
Mom came to CEF for a loan to refinance the playground equipment that
is the focal point for the center on South Sheridan. In a recent
interview, Laura said: “The right people were brought into our
life at the right time! We were at a financial crossroad when we
met Angela Valdez and Greg Roers from CEF. They are the most
genuine people you will ever meet.” Through CEF’s technical
assistance, Greg helped Laura and Mark organize their financials to
restructure the debt on their building, helping them bring in some
grant funding and loans from Colorado Housing and Finance Authority and
SEEDCO Financial – Denver.
“I
truly believe we would not be in business today if CEF did not step in
and provide not only the funds but the support, guidance and
friendship. I attribute our current success to the assistance
provided to us from CEF. Working with children, people and your spouse
takes patience, love and grace. Chris and I know we have been
blessed to be a part of each and every life that comes across our
threshold. It’s exhausting some days, but we have faith that God
has put the right people in our path to help raise children, listen to
our community, and to be the lighthouse of hope on the block,”
commented Laura.
Along
with preschool childcare and after-school programs, Daddy Mom serves as
a community center offering several services to their
community. Their administration office supports unemployed
community members in job search, resume preparation, bus passes,
computer classes and access to e-mail, fax and copy
machines. Daddy Mom is also a partner for Food Bank of the
Rockies, offering monthly food boxes to their community members.
CEF
is proud to help businesses like Daddy Mom Daycare that not only
provide employment for their owners and staff, but meet vital community
needs as well.
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