Momentum and Milestones Mark Childcare Resources Annual Meeting

Students in Childcare Resources’ four-year-old classroom perform songs for Annual Meeting attendees.

Childcare Resources welcomed supporters and community leaders to its Annual Meeting, an evening celebrating the past year’s progress and the year ahead, highlighting the organization’s continued community impact and the upcoming completion of its new downtown campus. This new space will serve as the home of its early childhood campus of excellence, strengthening its ability to support children, families, and educators for years to come.

Childcare Resources Board of Directors in attendance: (Top, L to R) Jennifer Peshke, Jim Beindorf, Geraldine Smith, Kate Walsh, Gail Nourse, Executive Director Shannon McGuire Bowman, Charles Lunceford, David Griffis, and Megan Knurr. (Bottom, L to R) Melissa Shine, Immediate Past President Tracy Sorzano, President Helen Boehm Johnson, Mary Sue Brown, and Kiki Rohr.

The event opened with a performance from students in the four-year-old classroom, followed by an inspiring overview of the year’s accomplishments and the introduction of new Board Chair Helen Boehm Johnson.

“With our expanded campus, Childcare Resources is poised to grow its impact for children and families,” said Johnson. “I am honored to serve alongside our dedicated team, donors, and volunteers as we build on this momentum and ensure every child has a strong start.”

Two new members of the Board of Directors were introduced: Kiki Rohr, a retired marketing professional, and Kate Walsh, an educator and author with experience in early childhood leadership.

Trish Essick, Barbie Horton, and Joan Gee connected in the halls after the evening’s program.

Jamie Bloss with Childcare Resources Board of Directors members Megan Knurr and Melissa Shine.

Linda and Boyd Faust spoke with early childhood educators and learned more about Childcare Resources’ Outreach Program at the Learning Showcase.

Following the presentation, guests explored classrooms featuring literary themes inspired by children’s books.This year’s second Community of Practice Learning Showcase highlighted early educators as they shared their academic work from the year. The showcase created space for attendees to connect directly with teachers, ask questions, and experience the impact of professional development supported by Childcare Resources.

“This is an opportunity for our community to see the real impact of their support,” said Shannon McGuire Bowman, Executive Director of Childcare Resources. “It allows us to reflect on what we’ve accomplished together and share how those investments are directly strengthening outcomes for children and families in our community.”