In early 2024, the Watertown Development Company (WDC) received a Governor’s Office of Economic Development Community Planning grant. WDC partnered with Codington Connects, Harmony Hills and Mother of God Monastery to examine the child care crisis and potential opportunities in the community.

To Learn More

Visit watertownchildcare.org

UPDATE

Good morning all,

I wanted to give you an update as to our progress on childcare and a one month delay in award of the SD Works loan that has occurred.

First, we received the $150k grant we were hoping for! This award and your donation have given us the traction we needed. The parents have really gotten on board and are arranging follow-up fundraising in all kinds of different ways. I have had several organizations reach out to add their donations to what we have received. We are closing the remaining $580k gap – what a great example of community action!

Our lawyer, myself and SD Works had a call on Friday regarding the subject of ownership of the building, loan responsibility, and the new daycare corporation. In order for this not to be a passive real estate transaction, the monastery as owner of the building has to own the new daycare corporation for the duration of the SD Works loan. I wanted to be transparent with you since I had stated that the monastery would not own the new entity. I do not think this changes anything with your commitment as your motions and resolutions captured the monastery as the recipient of your monies.

We asked the LB staff to name the new corporation and they came up with “Our Little Village Learning Center” which fits well with our theme on the Hill. The inaugural board of directors for Our Little Village is being chosen as I write this. If you have recommendations of staff to represent the City or County on this new nonprofit corporation please send me their contact info asap.

Because we needed to create a new corporation, the loan won’t go before the GOED board until Nov. 13. We will be free to swing the hammer on Nov. 14th!

We are planning a Chamber after 4 event for the 14th and a groundbreaking on Nov. 16th with parents, little ones, staff and the public with lots of little shovels and a big pile of sand! You are invited!

Please feel free to update the Commission and the Council on the latest progress.

I remain grateful for your commitment to care for our children and your support of economic development in our area!

Barb

Barbara Younger, OSB

Assistant Prioress, Mother of God Monastery

Vice President, The Village of Harmony Hill Inc. 

Mother of God Monastery

2527 Prairie Park Trail SE

Watertown, South Dakota 57201

Office: 605.882.6646