VOL. 31 NO. 3
SEPTEMBER 2021
L E G A C Y
Muncie Civic Theatre
Where neighbors create legacies
LET’S TALK People often talk about the seasons of life. Just like the weather, our lives are constantly changing. For me, I’m transitioning to an empty nester as my two youngest boys started college this year. For you, it may be new babies or grandbabies, graduation or retirement, or a new job or big loss. In this issue of the Legacy Newsletter, you’ll read about how The Community Foundation is here to serve the community and the residents here across those many seasons. We talk about our youngest residents’ development and a program designed to support those providing them with high-quality care. You’ll find an insert featuring the names and faces of students who have received scholarships to benefit them in the coming year. We share about two interns who shared their summer with us as they begin to build their own careers. And, we share the story of one man’s life-long passion for orchids and his desire to know their preservation will continue forever. From preschool to high school to lifelong learning, we grow and change throughout the seasons of our lives. Change is guaranteed. While The Community Foundation may grow and change over time, one thing will remain constant - we will be here to serve Muncie and Delaware County today, tomorrow, and always.
Kelly K. Shrock, President
MAKING CONNECTIONS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Children at Destiny Christian Academy finger paint.
C
arol Johnson, director of United Day Care Center located in downtown Muncie, has spent her career in early childhood. Like most childcare centers across the community, United Day Care has faced many challenges since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some centers shut down in March of 2020. Like United Day Care, those that stayed open quickly modified their operations, adding unexpected expenses to traditionally tight budgets. As centers began to reopen, they also faced additional costs by providing staff with appropriate personal protective equipment and added classroom supplies to follow the Centers for Disease Control guidance. Additionally, many centers have reported a significant staffing shortage as workers choose to stay home for their health and safety. continued on page 2
