Dear Bright Futures' Partners and Friends,
I hope this news finds you well.
Last year, we made the difficult decision to postpone the launch of the Rural Homes Early Childhood Initiative (RHECI) due to construction logistics. Today, we are ready to reignite the Rural Homes Early Childhood Initiative alongside all of you with high hopes of the remarkable impact this initiative will have on the lives of children and families of the Ouray and Ridgway communities.
RHECI is a collaborative effort between Bright Futures and the Rural Homes project, which focuses on building affordable workforce housing in rural Colorado. Rural Homes has allocated two deed restricted homes designed for Family Child Care in the Waterview Development in Ouray County.
RHECI's goal is to identify candidates that move into these homes and operate a licensed Family Child Care business. Candidates will be required to complete a 12-week cohort – 10 weeks of business curriculum developed by All Our Kin and 2 weeks of additional supports. The cohort will provide comprehensive support equipping participants with the necessary skills and resources to establish successful and sustainable Family Child Care businesses. The curriculum will cover business principles such as marketing strategies, contracts/policy handbooks, income & expense record-keeping. The additional support include orientation in home-buying process, mortgage technical assistance, deed restrictions, and resources we offer as an Early Childhood Council and Family Resource Center.
The RHECI serves as an opportunity for entry-level FCCH providers and existing providers with a mutual desire to relocate to Ouray County. The model offers a one of kind pathway to home ownership and greater economic stability for providers as sole business owners.
I look forward to sharing more updates with you as we progress with the Rural Homes Early Childhood Initiative. Please feel free to reach out to me directly by phone at 970-325-5144 or email [email protected] with any questions/concerns.
Cheers,
Valentina