Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/competitors-unite-to-provide-educational-opportunities/5025820/
As the leader of an education-focused nonprofit organization, I am used to building community not just with children and their families, but with other organizations. What is a little more unusual is partnering with organizations that could be perceived as competitors to build community. In times of crisis, however, the unusual may become a necessity and, in this case, the new normal of a more cooperative future is ideal for the families in our community.
Here is how the COVID-19 pandemic inspired our organization, Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers, to partner with our one-time competitor, the Greater Valley YMCA, led by CEO David Fagerstrom and other local nonprofits, in order to meet the rapidly evolving needs of students in grades K-8 and their families.
Addressing a Shortage of Learning Spaces
Although toilet paper shortages grabbed all the headlines, safe and supervised spaces in which students can attend virtual classes or do homework have also been in short supply. Once schools closed their doors in the spring, it was no secret to anyone in the child care world—or to anyone raising children, for that matter—that many working families were struggling to supervise their children during the work day, let alone to take on the challenging role ...