Communities for Kids Lincoln County has received a $60,000 Community Giving Grant from the Medica Insurance Company to expand access to high-quality early learning and strengthen childcare in Lincoln County.

Medica is a non-profit health plan that reinvests in the communities it serves rather than shareholders.

In announcing the award, Val Hyde of North Platte said Medica partners with organizations in Nebraska to support programs that strengthen families and communities, including access to childcare and early learning, contributing to long-term health and stability.

“Access to childcare is a major challenge for many families and communities across central and rural Nebraska,” said Pat Bourne, the state market president for Medica. “We’re proud to support Communities for Kids Lincoln County by offering early learning scholarships for families and professional development for childcare providers, helping expand access to care and strengthen the local workforce and community.”

The grant will help Communities for Kids increase affordable, high-quality early learning by providing scholarships for families while investing in the professional growth of licensed childcare providers. Funding for continuing education and training will help providers enhance the quality of care they offer, expand capacity, and better meet the growing needs of families throughout Lincoln County.

“We are incredibly grateful to Medica for this investment in our community,” Communities for Kids Coordinator Val Hyde said. “As families continue to face rising costs and inflation, access to affordable, high-quality childcare is more important than ever. This grant allows us to remove barriers for families while supporting the dedicated childcare professionals who make early learning possible.”

Communities for Kids is committed to ensuring every child in Lincoln County has access to high-quality early childhood education and care. Through partnerships with providers, businesses, schools, and community organizations, C4K works to create sustainable solutions that help children thrive and strengthen the community.

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