When a plan comes together, good things happen. Lives are changed, for
the better. And a collective community grows stronger.

Within First State Community Loan Fund’s Community Development initiative
is a strong push to provide the funding necessary to open, maintain or
renovate child care establishments throughout the state of Delaware. The
result is a string of success stories, for example, Faith Harvest Child &
Youth Development Center, A Leap of Faith and Family Enrichment, that
epitomize the hard work and dedication necessary to make a difference.

Another such success story is Ribbons and Bows. Cora Reed came to FSCLF
for help financing her growing daycare center. With her first loan – in
November 2005 for $60,000 – Mrs. Reed and her husband Frederick were able
to relocate their existing home-based daycare into a full-fledged
childcare center.

Ribbons and Bows has had a positive impact in Wilmington. The
organization currently employs 17 people, serving 105 children. However,
in response to demand, they plan to increase their capacity to be able to
serve up to 250 children in the near future.

Ribbons and Bows has also become a social beacon within the community by
serving lower income kids and their families through education and
spirituality. A dedicated Christian organization, Ribbons and Bows
emphasizes strong morals and ethics, helping to raise and nurture the
children within an environment that is safe and free of violence.
Education is also a top priority at the center as well. The staff and
administration has seen visible improvements in the children’s academic
achievement, including their drive to learn. Cora’s belief in quality
child care has provided a model environment for the children.

The old African proverb says that it takes an entire village to raise one
child. That philosophy still exists today and increasingly is being
practiced on a much broader scale: entire communities joining together to
strengthen their collective resources in order to better prepare the
future we are readying for our children. Through its continued commitment
to the goal of developing our communities, through the ongoing
establishment of quality child care facilities, FSCLF is certainly doing
its part.