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The Arcola Kids in Development Foundation welcomes you.

About Us
Children Studying Alphabet

About Us

     The Arcola Kids in Development Foundation (A KID) is a brand new nonprofit organization dedicated to improving equitable opportunities for children from birth to age 5. It evolved from the Arcola Community Economic and Development group which determined through various forums and the analyzation of data that early childhood opportunities were essential to grow our community and ensure school readiness. A KID is focusing on this specific area. It is committed to increasing equitable access to and enrollment in high quality daycare and early childhood education in the Arcola community. 

Meet the Board

Meet the Board

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Front: Mayra Lyons & Lyndsay Williams Back: Gaby Becerra, Angie Gentry, Matt Williams, Laura Williams, Lisa Boyer, & Sydnee Shafer

President: Laura Williams
Laura is the owner and operator of a state licensed, in-home daycare in Arcola. She and her husband have 2 boys, and they are are actively involved in both the school and community.
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Vice President: Lyndsay Williams

Lyndsay, her husband Matt, and their two kids moved back to Illinois a couple of years ago to call Arcola their "hometown." They chose to be a part of A Kid Foundation because they have lived in a few places over the years and have first-hand experience with the challenges of finding quality childcare. Lyndsay is a substitute teacher for Arcola Elementary School, and she says,  "I am very excited to be a part of a group expanding opportunities for children in our area."

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Secretary: Sydnee Shafer

Sydnee grew up and still resides in Arcola. She currently manages the Piatt County Farm Bureau. She has always had a passion for working with children of all ages, so she feels that working with A KID was a perfect opportunity to pursue that passion in the town that she loves.

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Treasurer: Lisa Sappenfield Boyer

Lisa is a local business owner of Boyer & Sappenfield Investment Advisors. Her children attended the Arcola schools, and now her grandchildren are students there. Lisa coaches the JH Girls basketball team, and she is involved in local economic development groups. She and her husband Grant live north of the Kemp area.

Mayra Lyons:

Mayra believes that “children are the world's most valuable resources and its best hope for the future.” She is not only a wife and mother of three young boys, but she also works at Arcola Elementary, helping new Hispanic students in the subjects in which they need the most help. Mayra is a graduate in International Relations.

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Gaby Becerra:

Gaby is a 2019 graduate of Arcola High School. She currently works for Partnership in Parenting as in the Shiloh school district as a home visitor/parent educator, and she has just completed her final semester at EIU in Human Services. Gaby stated that "A KID was a great opportunity for me to give back to the community that I love and grew up in!"

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Matt Williams

Matt grew up in Arcola and has recently returned to the area with his wife, Lyndsay, and two children. He serves as President of a small business, Associated Transfer & Storage, located in Champaign. Matt said, "As a former student and now parent and coach, I understand the importance of having good educators and leaders in our children’s lives for their development and wellbeing."

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Executive Director: Angie Gentry 

Angie is a retired educator of 32 years, serving as both an elementary teacher and principal in the Arcola School District from where she graduated. She and her husband raised six children who were also graduates of the district. Angie is excited to have the opportunity to continue to work in the "kid business." She said, "This is important work, and I am very lucky to have a strong and diverse board that is also committed to the cause." 

Are you interested in volunteering some time with Arcola KID Foundation?
Contact a board member or email us at arcolakid217@gmail.com.

A-KID Goals

A-KID Goals 

1

Establish a birth
to 3 Outreach Program

This programresearch-based, and comprehensive child development and family support services for expectant parents and families with children from birth to age 3 to help them build a strong foundation for learning and to prepare children for later school success.​

2

Increase the Number Licensed Home Daycares 

Statistics and local discussions show that our community is in need of more childcare so that parents can work. We will work to increase the number of licensed home daycares  by providing informational sessions and incentives. 

3

Provide a Daycare Facility

A KID Foundation is partnering with other local organizations to study the feasibility of this longer-term goal. Ideally, this building would house not only a childcare facility with before and after-school care, but also a youth recreational center.

KID Konnections

KID KONNECTIONS

A Play & Learn Group for
Children aged 0-5 and their Parents

Being a parent can sometimes feel like a solo journey, but it doesn't have to be!  KID Konnections provides a supportive environment where you can connect with other parents, participate in interactive activiites, share experiences, and build lasting friendships.

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KID Konnections is for community parents and their little ones (ages 0-5). Whether you're a seasoned parent (or other caregiver) or just starting your journey, everyone is welcome!

 

Please join us at the Arcola Public Library on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 10:30 - 11:30 AM.  Check back for the summer lineup!

Area Resources

Area Resources
Many of these resources are available for free or low cost.

Click links for more information. 

 
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Adaptive Equipment Loan Programs
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Addiction Assistance
Adult Education, Job Training, College, Employment
 
Cell Phone & Service
 
Childcare Resources
​       (assistance with finding childcare     
       &/or help with costs, assistance 
       with starting a home childcare 
       business)
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Clothing, Furniture, & Housewares (Free or Thrift)
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Emergency Assistance
  • ERBA​
    • energy/utilities assistance
    • food/essentials
    • rent/mortgage
    • family case management & financial assistance
    • prescription assistance
    • Youth Program Fees & MORE!
    • ERBA Emergency Food & Shelter -- Douglas County (Call (217) 253-443
  • HOPE of ECI
    • SAFE, emergency shelter for battered women, food, legal services & advocacy​​
    • 24-Hour Hotline: 1-888-345-3990​
  • The Haven​
Entertainment (Free/Low Cost)
 
Food and Nutrition Resources
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Health and Dental Services
 
Legal Services
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Medicine Assistance
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Mental Heath & Wellness​
             services & advocacy​​
            24-Hour Hotline: 1-888-345-3990​
​Parent Education/Information
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Public Transportation
 
Special Needs
       (camping, recreation, and   respite 
       care for individuals with disabilities)
 
Women, Infant & Children
 

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Parenting Websites

Parenting Websites

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