Saturday, April 14, at 11:00 am. Alma Ferrel will be presented a check for $175,000 from First 5 Ventura County through the Community Investment Loan Fund in partnership with EDC-VC. In attendance will be Stan Mantooth, Bruce Stenslie, Mayor Gayle Washburn, and Supervisor Kathy Long.

Alma Ferrel, owner of ABC Kids Care in Fillmore, is the first recipient of the Community Investment Loan Fund. The loan program is funded by First 5 Ventura County and provided in partnership with the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County to support parents and employers by addressing the need for more childcare in Ventura County.

With the $175,000 loan, Ferrel relocated her 8-year-old, home-based childcare business that cared for 26 children into a former church building that accommodates up to 64 pre-school-age children. Ferrel used the funds to renovate the new space and to purchase furniture, playground equipment and supplies.

She is also eligible for an additional $40,000 loan for working capital from the EDC-VC Revolving Loan Fund.

“Finding quality childcare is a worry for so many working parents in the county, which is why are proud to partner with First 5 Ventura County to help close the childcare gap,” said Bruce Stenslie, president/CEO of EDC-VC.

“As a mother, I can speak to the fact that our minds and hearts are with our children throughout the workday,” added Claudia Harrison, executive director of First 5 Ventura County. “A high-quality learning experience comforts parents with the knowledge that our children are truly learning and growing. Through developmentally appropriate, nurturing activities they are developing cognitive and social skills, building a foundation that will last a lifetime.”

Economists cite a rate of return 7-10 percent per year for every dollar invested in early education. Over the past 10 years, First 5 Ventura County has supported more than 1,400 preschool spaces across the county.

A grand-opening celebration for ABC Kids Care and check presentation will be held at the preschool on April 14.

EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center, loan programs, the Manufacturing Outreach Program, Global Entrepreneur Training in Trade (G.E.T. Trade) program, or other services available to small businesses through EDC-VC, contact Bruce Stenslie at 805-384-1800 ext. 24 or bruce.stenslie@edc-vc.com. Or visit www.edc-vc.com.

First 5 Ventura County invests Proposition 10 tobacco tax revenue in local programs and services that support health, early learning and family strengthening for children 0-5 and their families. For information, visit first5ventura.org.