Lakeview Methodist Health Care Secures Funding for Building Blocks Childcare, Creating 52 More Spots

Access to childcare is a growing problem across the United States. The Census Bureau found that half of parents lack any form of childcare arrangements, with 35% having no childcare options for their kids younger than five.

Fairmont, Minnesota, isn’t exempt from this trend, but community groups are working to address the childcare need to better support residents. In August 2024, the Board of Directors at Lakeview Methodist Health Care approved $500,000 in spending to complete the Building Blocks Learning Center and Childcare, which would bring the current capacity from 47 spaces to 99.

“We get at around 10 calls per week looking for childcare space,” says Deb Barnes, Executive Director at Lakeview Methodist Health Care. “We have had calls from people who want to move to the area, but they need daycare.”

Access to childcare is essential for economic development. It allows parents to work, contributing to employment, while also improving the quality of life in the region. Parents across Fairmont can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing their kids are well looked after when they are enrolled at Building Blocks. 

Building Blocks Has Been Part of Lakeview Methodist Since 2017

The City of Fairmont has fought for childcare access in the region for years. When Building Blocks lost its lease in 2017, the City asked Lakeview if it could house the childcare facility. Lakeview made space within its senior living center and accepted what kids it could. The day the old lease ended, Building Blocks opened in Lakeview. There wasn’t a single day of downtime that parents had to contend with.

“The kids on campus bring so much joy,” says Barnes. “They’re such heartwarming little creatures. They bring life and excitement. Fun and laughter. We want to always be looking for ways to help the community, but this is a benefit.”

Not only does the presence of kids warm the hearts of senior residents, but it also benefits people in Fairmont who are part of the “sandwich generation,” or those who are simultaneously caring for their aging parents and young children.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Disrupted Construction Plans

As the children and parents settled into the new Building Blocks location, the Lakeview Board of Directors began working on expansion plans. The goal was to increase capacity to 99 children, providing comprehensive childcare support to Fairmont residents. The team had a budget in place and estimates for the work, but then the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

“All of the costs were locked in for the nursing home before COVID, but because the childcare space was the last piece of the project, those costs weren’t locked in,” Barnes told the Fairmont Sentinel. “That’s why everything soared so tremendously.”

Construction costs have remained high in the four years following the pandemic, so Lakeview had no choice but to update its budget and start fundraising. The organization has been raising money for the last 2.5 years and has collected more than $500,000. However, it was still $500,000 short.  

The Board’s vote to fund the rest of the project through a loan will allow Lakeview to start building in early 2025. Its goal is to continue to fundraise so it can pay the money back. 

Lakeview’s Actions Tie Back to Its Mission Statement 

The efforts to bring childcare to Fairmont highlight Lakeview’s ability to see the pains of the community and its desire to help those who need assistance most. The organization’s actions reflect its mission statement of demonstrating God’s love through life-enhancing supportive services.

“We tend to view childcare through an economic lens and how a lack of resources can hurt our population or keep parents out of the workforce,” says Ned Koppen, Economic Development Coordinator for the Fairmont Economic Development Association (FEDA). “But Lakeview takes a personal approach. The staff empathizes with anxious parents who want their kids to be cared for and they continue to step up to offer safe places for young children.”

Fairmont is a better place because of Lakeview and will have more opportunities and support systems for parents because of the Building Blocks expansion. 

Learn More About Life in Fairmont

Fairmont, Minnesota, stands out because of its high quality of life. Residents can send their kids to quality public schools, easily access advanced healthcare services, and enjoy the countless parks and events that occur throughout the year. The childcare offered through Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center is another asset to the region and a reason to move here. You – and your business – can thrive in Fairmont. We can’t wait to welcome you.