GRINNELL, IA – LINK Grinnell forges ahead to develop an after-school program in the Grinnell community, and announces today that an executive director has been hired to lead the organization.
LINK Grinnell is being formed as a 501(c)(3) organization positioned to address families’ needs forchild care with the initial development of an after-school program. The organization aims tosupport the community’s long-term and ongoing efforts of child care and youth development in Grinnell. Chad Nath has been selected as the inaugural director for the program, having had much involvement in the steering committee and planning process to date. Nath recently announced his resignation from Unity Point Health – Grinnell Regional Medical Center, noting he was seeking a change.
“I was ready for a new occupational challenge, but remain committed to the Grinnell communityand specifically children’s care in our community. I am excited to lead the newly formed LINK in itsdevelopment and programming and look forward to ensuring the organization’s sustainability well into the future,” says Nath.
LINK’s mission is to lead, inspire, nurture, and keep children educated, enriched, and engaged in the Grinnell community. Founding board members are working now to secure partnerships and collaborations with area employers, and are working with the Grinnell-Newburg School District to house the program at Davis Elementary School. The program will be available for a daily rate and also offer a sliding fee scale to qualified applicants.
Individuals interested in signing students up for the program should visit linkgrinnell.org and submit the form. Formal program registration information will be available soon at linkgrinnell.org and will be emailed to parents who have submitted the interest form. Questions regarding LINK’sregistration and programming information may be directed to linkgrinnell@gmail.com.
The organization is in the process of filing all necessary paperwork with the Department of Human Services in an effort to have a program up-and-running this fall. While no date has formally been announced, board members remain hopeful that a target date as close to the beginning of schoolcan be reached. “Our plans are coming together nicely, and we are excited to have a new directorwho is poised to step directly into the development and facilitation of the program that will openearly this fall,” says Board President Copeman Petig. Founding board members for LINK include Shannon Fitzgerald, Julie Gosselink, Rachael Kinnick, Copeman-Petig and Barb Norman.
LINK is still seeking additional staff including an on-site supervisor and program leaders. Interested applicants may view job descriptions at linkgrinnell.org and apply by sending a cover letter and resume to linkgrinnell@gmail.com.
