Page 2 - CCRC Annual Report 2020-2021

Looking Ahead
We envision a future where healthy and strong children and families live in thriving communities. Discrete objectives over the next five years to make progress towards this desired future include:
f Strong and Resilient Children and Families
f Supportive and Connected Communities
f Sustained Public and Political Will
Year of the Pivot
Dear Friends and Supporters,
The onset of the pandemic stressed our economy, resources and – frankly – us as people, but we learned the coronavirus would not be a short-lived threat and quickly adapted. What many are calling the Year of the Pivot was indeed a time of transition for Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) staff, who managed to not only keep the lights on but also increase the array of services and number of families served.
Before it became apparent that virtual education, remote work and social distancing would be a lasting reality, CCRC was already procuring pandemic supplies and transitioning services online to ensure the safety of families and staff. Despite a majority of our staff working from home, communication remained strong as we organized drive-thru distribution events and leveraged new funds to support child care providers facing strict new protocols. We handed out thousands of masks, gloves and thermometers, as well as thousands of pounds of fresh produce, clothing and child development materials. To help keep families connected, we launched a virtual parent discussion group that was so successful we’re training other agencies across the state on implementing their own.
As we delivered technologies and cleaning supplies to child care providers, our Government Relations Team advocated at the State Capital for better pay and protections for these providers. I’m proud to say our tireless efforts led to historic investments in child care and provider rate reimbursement reform, which were long overdue. Now more than ever, we know child care is an essential service for families and the caregivers who provide this service are essential workers.
CCRC’s mission to strengthen children, families and community has never been more critical. While many organizations continued laying off employees, CCRC recruited talented staff to help answer the growing call for help in our community. The generosity of donors, support of community partners, and dedication of CCRC staff, Board of Directors and Senior Leadership have allowed us to whether the storm and prove our mettle during these challenging times. We appreciate their support and look forward to great things to come.
ichael Olenick, Ph.D.
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2020 - 2021 Annual Report
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