SCCF Invests $150,000 to Help Early Childhood Education Shortage
From left to right: Sara Miller, Director Wee Creations Early Learning, Stephanie George, Director of Human Resources at Trine University, Retha Hicks, Director of Economic Development and Planning at the City of Angola, Carmyn Hottell, Director of Community Engagement and Leadership at Steuben County Community Foundation, Isaac Lee, CEO of Steuben County Economic Development Corporation, Shauna Relue, Assistant Superintendent at MSD of Steuben County, Rachel Faulkner, Chief Operating Officer at Cameron Health
Angola, Indiana — The Steuben County Community Foundation (SCCF) has awarded $150,000 to support the continued development of the Steuben County Early Childhood Coalition (SCECC), a collaborative effort focused on strengthening early childhood outcomes across Steuben County.
By aligning local leadership, data, and investment, this effort aims to expand childcare capacity, support providers, and create more sustainable options for working families in Steuben County. For local families, this means more reliable access to care. For employers, it means fewer workforce disruptions and greater ability to attract and retain employees.
Across Northeast Indiana, access to quality childcare remains a significant challenge. Data from the Northeast Indiana Early Childhood Coalition indicates there are thousands more children than available licensed childcare seats across the region. This shortage limits workforce participation, strains families, and impacts long-term educational and economic outcomes.
The coalition brings together leaders from business, education, healthcare, government, and nonprofit sectors to move beyond isolated efforts and develop coordinated, long-term solutions to childcare access, affordability, and quality.
As part of its next phase, SCECC is working to establish itself as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. With support from Transform Consulting Group (TCG), the coalition is building formal governance structures, operational clarity, and a sustainable framework to ensure accountability and long-term impact.
“Access to reliable, high-quality childcare is not just a family issue, it is a workforce and economic issue,” said Sara Miller, Board Chair of SCECC and Director of Wee Creations Early Learning Ministry. “We are intentionally building an independent, well-governed organization that can lead this work with accountability and focus. This investment allows us to move from conversation to coordinated action and long-term solutions.”
SCCF’s $150,000 commitment is part of a broader, multi-partner investment in early childhood infrastructure, including support from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its GIFT IX initiative, a statewide program designed to help community foundations lead long-term, collaborative solutions to local challenges.
“Investing in early childhood is how a community strengthens its workforce and long-term stability,” said Carmyn Hottell, Director of Community Engagement and Leadership at SCCF. “This work requires sustained leadership and investment, and SCCF is committed to helping build solutions that last.”
SCCF and SCECC invite additional partners, employers, and community investors to join this effort. Expanding access to quality childcare will require continued collaboration and investment from across sectors. Those interested in supporting or learning more are encouraged to connect with SCCF to explore partnership opportunities.
To learn more, peruse these attachments and feel free to reach out with questions or comments: 2025 Steuben County ECE Data, SCECC Strategic Plan, SCECC 04/28/26 Lunch and Learn Power Presentation Slides. To read the local news article, click here: SCCF Invests in Early Childhood Education.
To donate to this specific project at the Steuben County Community Foundation, please click here: Steuben County Early Childhood Coalition.
About Steuben County Community Foundation
The Steuben County Community Foundation (SCCF) serves as a trusted partner in philanthropy with more than $59 million in assets under stewardship. Guided by its mission to connect people who care with needs that matter, SCCF strengthens Steuben County through charitable giving, strategic investments, and community leadership. Learn more at www.steubenfoundation.org.