Wabash County is facing big problems. We struggle with population decline, low educational achievement and drug abuse. The good news is that there is compelling research and evidence that if we invest in our youngest citizens then we can turn these problems around. If we do nothing, our community will not improve. By focusing on early childhood education, we support the workforce of today and the future.

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Wabash County Early Childhood Education Coalition (WCECEC) is a group of citizens of Wabash County who recognize the need for highly-rated, affordable early childhood education. The coalition is made up of parents, employers, teachers, civic leaders, religious leaders, librarians, doctors, and others who recognize that early childhood education is key to our success as a community, not only in the future, but now! Child and family well-being depends on it. Parents who work depend on it. Employers who want well-adapted, skilled workers now and in the future need it.

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Meet the Steering Committee:

Julie Garber, Chair

Program Director, Community Foundation of Wabash County

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James Chinworth

Retired Pastor, Manchester Church of the Brethren

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Brandon Eaton

Pastor, Wabash Friends Church

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Keith Gillenwater

CEO, Grow Wabash County

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Steve Johnson

Executive Director, Wabash County United Fund

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Paige Krouse

Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Manchester University

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Scott Long

Mayor of the City of Wabash

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Amanda Lopez

President, Transform Consulting Group

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Raylene Rospond

Vice President for Academic Affairs, Manchester University

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Heather Schilling

Chair, Department of Education, Manchester University

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Kelly Stouffer

Director of Human Resources, Ford Meter Box