NEIECC: Pioneering early Childcare solutions.

Legacy of Solutions

Early childcare transformation in Northeast Indiana started with a familiar struggle. When Allie Sutherland moved to Fort Wayne with her family, she faced a challenge that would reshape her future—and the region’s approach to childcare. “I had a list of maybe 40 providers, and no one would even take my name for a waitlist,” she recalls. “I didn’t know what to do.”

Her struggle mirrored a broader crisis. In Indiana, nearly 40% of children lived in “childcare deserts,” where available spots were critically scarce. The economic impact reached $4.22 billion in annual losses to the state’s economy, including $1.17 billion in lost tax revenue. Behind these numbers were countless families facing impossible choices between careers and childcare.

Where others saw challenges, Ambassador Enterprises saw opportunity. In 2021, Sherry Grate, then VP of community impact, connected with Sutherland, sparking a vision that grew into a regional movement. Their discussions revealed progress in counties like Kosciusko, Wabash, and Noble, showing that strong local leadership and engaged community teams can drive real change. This prompted the question: “What if we could expand this success to all counties?”

Inspired by this vision, the Northeast Indiana Early Childhood Coalition (NEIECC) was founded in December 2021. Led by Sutherland, it includes 11 counties, each with a leader and local coalition working alongside local organizations to address community needs and develop regional solutions.

The coalition’s work is becoming increasingly critical as Indiana faces challenges in childcare funding. A recent announcement regarding waitlists for subsidies could leave 20,000 children without care, but NEIECC’s innovative approaches provide hope and solutions.

Among them is the coalition’s Tri-Share Plus initiative, set to launch in early 2025 and backed by a $5 million investment from the Northeast Indiana Strategic Development Commission. Inspired by a similar model in Michigan, it distributes childcare costs among employers, families, and a dedicated fund, helping make quality care more accessible and affordable.

The coalition’s efforts extend beyond increasing availability; it is creating a sustainable ecosystem by supporting provider development, advocating for investment, and facilitating collaboration among businesses, educators, and community leaders. This approach has gained traction with county commissioners in Adams, Wells, LaGrange, and Kosciusko, and the Huntington city government, along with regional philanthropic partners, ensuring investments benefit families throughout the community.

What started as one family’s challenge has evolved into a blueprint for regional transformation. Through the NEIECC, Ambassador Enterprises and its partners are proving that when communities come together with strategic vision and a collaborative spirit, even the most complex challenges can turn into opportunities for lasting impact. As Indiana confronts crucial decisions about childcare funding, Northeast Indiana’s model illustrates how local innovation, supported by strategic partnerships and community investment, can create pathways to success even in the face of significant challenges.

“This work is about more than solving today’s problems,” Allie reflects. “It’s about shaping the future. Every child represents untapped potential; investing in them means investing in our region’s long-term success.”

Learn more about Northeast Indiana Early Childhood Coalition.