(Council Bluffs) TS Bank is proud to announce a generous donation of $10,000 to support the Florence M. Lakin Child Development Center through a multi-year capital campaign for MICAH House. This center is designed to offer safe, affordable, and nurturing childcare, serving as a vital resource for families in our community.
The Florence M. Lakin Child Development Center addresses children’s developmental delays while enabling parents to pursue financial stability, wellness, and interdependence. In Pottawattamie County, there is a significant shortage of daycare slots, with just one available for every 7-10 children, emphasizing the urgent need for this initiative.
Opened in July 2024, the new 12,000-square-foot facility on the east side of the MICAH House property can accommodate up to 70 children aged six weeks to six years in a trauma-sensitive and supportive environment. Two-thirds of the available spaces are designated for MICAH House families, while the rest are accessible to families in the broader community. For enrollment details, visit lakinchildcare.org.
The center features six classrooms, a sensory room, an indoor gymnasium, an outdoor play area, and a garden. Additionally, all meals provided meet the standards set by the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
With the generous support from TS Bank, we have created a nurturing environment where children can flourish. This investment not only impacts the present but will also have lasting benefits for years ahead,” said Ashley Flater, Executive Director of MICAH House.
Addressing homelessness involves tackling various factors. The on-site childcare and trauma-informed programs, including customized services and therapies, serve as a model to empower parents to establish a sustainable future for their families. MICAH House also offers families and single women various services, such as nutritious meals, counseling, and an on-site health clinic.
“We are thrilled to support MICAH House in its mission and the opening of the new Child Development Center, which provides essential childcare services. This initiative allows parents to make significant strides toward a brighter future for themselves and their children,” stated Austin Diehm, SVP of Consumer Banking at TS Banking Group.
The community is invited to support this remarkable cause by attending the 28th Annual Champagne & Diamonds event on Saturday, May 3, 2025. This year’s theme is Roaring 20s! The event promises an enjoyable evening with a cocktail hour, dinner, silent and live auctions, and the much-anticipated diamond raffle. For more information about MICAH House or to purchase tickets for this exciting fundraising event, please visit micahhouse.org/diamonds.
Photo caption: (L to R): TS Bank employees Riley Lemke, Kelsey Stupfell, and Austin Diehm pictured with MICAH House employees Jess McGee, Ashley Flater, and Maren Larsen.
