Sioux City, IA: July 2, 2025- Crittenton Center is proud to announce it has received a $20,000 grant from the Le Mars United Way to support its Child Development Center in Le Mars. This funding will help provide high-quality child care, preschool, and after-school programming for families across Plymouth County, addressing a growing demand for accessible and inclusive early childhood education.
Since opening its doors in January 2024, the Crittenton Child Development Center in Le Mars has served over 120 children, including 43 in school-age care. In partnership with the Le Mars Community School District, Crittenton also began offering preschool services in fall 2024 and is actively working to expand these offerings to provide universal preschool on-site.
“High-quality early childhood education is a critical foundation for lifelong success,” said Kim Scorza, CEO of Crittenton Center. “This grant allows us to break down barriers—whether financial, behavioral, or logistical—and ensure more children in our community receive the care and learning opportunities they deserve.”
The United Way grant will be used to:
As part of its commitment to community impact, Crittenton Center embeds a social worker in the Le Mars center to support children with behavioral needs—children who are often turned away from other providers. Crittenton supports families in accessing resources and financial supports, including state Child Care Assistance (CCA).
With this funding, Crittenton Center aims to serve 200 children in 2025 and retain at least 80% of enrolled families by fostering a supportive, enriching environment for children to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
About: Serving Iowa since 1895, Crittenton Center provides child and family development services through childcare and family resource center and child welfare services to homeless and foster care youth. To learn more, visit www.crittentoncenter.org.