Rhinelander, WI - Oneida County Economic Development Corporation (OCEDC) is delighted to announce its partnership in a transformative initiative aimed at bolstering the childcare sector across Oneida County and beyond. Spearheaded by Jo Nowak-Thompson of the Northwest WI Workforce Investment Board, alongside collaborator Jane Spencer of North Central WI Workforce Development Board, this venture introduces the QUEST grant—a comprehensive support mechanism designed to address the critical economic challenges within the childcare field.

Enhancing the Childcare Landscape through the QUEST Grant

The QUEST grant, a federally funded program, has a laser-focus on rectifying the prevailing issues of access, quality, affordability, and wages within the childcare sector. It aims not just to offer a temporary fix but to lay down the groundwork for sustainable enhancement by offering extensive training, support services, business engagement opportunities, as well as fostering skills in microenterprise and entrepreneurship. Specifically, the program seeks to empower individuals interested in establishing regulated family care services within their homes, thus addressing the urgent need for quality childcare facilities in Oneida County and state-wide.

Join the Quest for Quality Childcare

Jo Nowak-Thompson, serving as the Early Childhood Project Manager with the Northwest WI Workforce Investment Board and North Central WI Workforce Development Board, urges the Oneida County community to get involved. In line with the program's goal, Nowak-Thompson is actively seeking to recruit and enroll participants interested in harnessing the opportunities available through the QUEST grant.

Why This Matters for Oneida County

Childcare is pivotal for economic development. It allows parents to engage in the workforce with the assurance that their children are in safe, nurturing environments. However, the shortage of quality childcare solutions presents a substantial hurdle. The QUEST grant aims to tackle this challenge head-on, fostering an environment conducive to the growth of family care services and, by extension, supporting local economic vibrancy.

Oneida County EDC’s Role in Facilitating Economic Growth

At the heart of Oneida County EDC's mission is the goal to not only attract investment but to ensure that our community flourishes through sustainable and inclusive economic development initiatives. By supporting the QUEST grant, Oneida County EDC reaffirms its commitment to creating opportunities that enhance the quality of life in our county, advocating for a future where economic and social growth coexist harmoniously.

Get Involved and Spread the Word

In light of this significant opportunity, Oneida County EDC encourages local entrepreneurs, existing childcare providers, and anyone interested in contributing to the enhancement of childcare services to reach out to Jo Nowak-Thompson for more information on how to apply for the grant. Additionally, sharing this information across social media and with relevant affiliates will be instrumental in ensuring that the benefits of the QUEST grant reach every corner of Oneida County and beyond.

For more information about the QUEST grant and how you can play a part in this crucial initiative, please contact Jo Nowak-Thompson at 715-204-4192 or [email protected]. Connect with the Northwest WI Workforce Investment Board on Facebook and the North Central WI Workforce Development Board on Facebook. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the economic and social fabric of Oneida County—today and for generations to come.