As a parent whose daughter Jazzlyn had been attending the Silverado Children's Center (SCC) since she was 2 years old, I found myself in a unique position to help this cherished institution when it faced severe financial challenges and the threat of closure. My experience in business development allowed me to collaborate with the school director, other parents, and community members to develop a business plan that eventually saved the school from being closed. Today, the school is thriving, and helping to save it is an accomplishment I am incredibly proud of.
Background
The SCC was a special place for my family and the community. However, after the closure of Silverado Elementary School in 2008-09, its enrollment declined, leading to financial difficulties. By 2015, the center owed the Silverado-Modjeska Recreation and Park District (SMRPD) more than $125,000. The situation was dire, and the future of the center was in jeopardy. As a parent and a professional, I knew I had to step up and do my part to help save the SCC.
The Turning Point
In collaboration with the school director, teachers, other parents, and community members, I put my business development experience to use and helped create a comprehensive business plan that was presented to the SMRPD board. The plan outlined initiatives to increase awareness, enrollment, and fundraising. It also introduced a visitor information sheet and standard operating procedure for following up with interested families. Our proposal emphasized the need for targeted marketing and community outreach to promote our unique canyon preschool.
The SMRPD board approved our proposal, but with a significant condition. As Phil McWilliams, treasurer of the SMRPD, said, “This is a moonshot, but this is the last one.” The board decided that the SCC could remain open as long as it could survive without financial assistance from the SMRPD, not even $1. This decision put the onus on us to ensure the center's financial sustainability.
The Results
Our hard work and dedication paid off. The focused marketing efforts and fundraising initiatives led to increased enrollment, greater community awareness, and financial stability. The SCC's unique learning environment, which incorporates the outdoors and farm animals into the curriculum, is now recognized and valued by families in the area.
Current Success
Today, the SCC has successfully repaid most of the loan from the SMRPD and has built a sizeable emergency fund. The school's turnaround is a testament to the power of collaboration, dedication, and effective execution of the business plan by the staff, volunteers, and supporters. The SCC has overcome the challenges of the past and is now a financially independent and sustainable institution.
Conclusion
Helping to save the Silverado Children's Center is an accomplishment I am incredibly proud of. It is an inspiring example of how a community can come together to save a valuable resource. With a comprehensive plan, targeted marketing, fundraising, and a commitment to accountability and leadership, the SCC has become an essential part of Silverado and the greater Orange County community once again, providing a unique and enriching learning experience for the children it serves.
References:
Orange County Register Article:
https://www.ocregister.com/2015/02/04/silverado-childrens-center-gets-last-shot/
https://www.ocregister.com/2015/01/08/silverado-childrens-center-can-stay-open-for-two-more-months/
Silverado Children’s Center: https://www.silveradochildrenscenter.com/
Silverado Childrens Center 2015 Business Plan
https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:ba30e634-0771-3bd1-b9b3-8232f137d7b9
SMRPD Presentation
https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:6a984c00-3688-3117-bb00-a98c4bf0a3bb
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