That is the story behind Crater Kids Community Daycare in Manson—and why Calhoun County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) has invested in making the project a reality.
Crater Kids is transforming the former United Church of Christ building into a community child care center with four classrooms and capacity for up to 60 children. The center is anticipated to open as early as January.
The need for the project became clear in early 2025 when a community survey identified more than 75 children in the Manson area needing some level of child care.
For CCEDC, those numbers represent more than a shortage of child care spaces. They represent a workforce challenge.
When parents cannot find reliable child care, employers can struggle to recruit and retain employees. Families may be forced to reduce work hours, commute elsewhere for care or reconsider whether a community can meet their long-term needs. Increasing child care capacity therefore strengthens both families and the local economy.
Crater Kids became possible through an impressive example of community collaboration. As membership at Manson’s United Church of Christ declined, church member Gayle Moline approached community leaders about repurposing the building for child care. The congregation also contributed $10,000 toward the project.
The Manson City Council supported moving the project forward, and Macie Schoon, Manson deputy city clerk and development director, helped establish the nonprofit organization that would become Crater Kids Community Daycare.
From there came the less-visible work required to turn an idea into reality—architectural planning, licensing, fundraising, financing and renovation of the former church.
CCEDC joined that partnership by providing a $50,000 loan through its Revolving Loan Fund, helping provide financing necessary to move the project toward completion. Additional support includes a $10,000 grant from the Calhoun County Community Foundation, along with contributions from organizations and individuals throughout the community.
By mid-August, approximately $96,000 had been raised toward the project’s initial $100,000 fundraising goal. Additional fundraising continues, with an estimated $50,000 to $100,000 still needed for furnishings, equipment, classroom materials and supplies.
Once operational, Crater Kids is expected to employ three to four full-time employees and approximately 10 to 16 part-time employees.
But the project’s economic impact extends well beyond the jobs created inside the center.
Sixty new child care spaces can help dozens of parents participate in the workforce, provide employers with greater access to employees and give young families another reason to choose Manson and Calhoun County as the place they want to call home.
That’s why child care is economic development.
CCEDC’s Revolving Loan Fund was created to help move projects forward that strengthen businesses and communities throughout Calhoun County. The investment in Crater Kids demonstrates how those resources can also address critical infrastructure needs that support the county’s workforce and long-term growth.
The transformation of a former church into a child care center is also an example of rural communities doing what they do best: identifying a challenge, finding an innovative solution and bringing partners together to make it happen.
When the doors of Crater Kids Community Daycare open and children begin filling its classrooms, the impact will reach far beyond the walls of the building.
It will mean parents can go to work knowing their children have care close to home. It will mean employers have another tool for attracting and retaining workers. And it will mean an important Manson building continues serving its community in an entirely new way.
For CCEDC, that’s an investment in workforce, an investment in families and, ultimately, an investment in the future of Calhoun County.
The Calhoun County Economic Development Corporation is seeking a dynamic, collaborative professional to serve as our next Executive Director. The full-time position offers the opportunity to make meaningful impact across Calhoun County.