March 3, 2025 Editor, The News-Gazette: I found Ed Smith’s front-page article on the recent child care study, undertaken by SERCAP at the behest of the Rockbridge County Economic Development Department, both informative and concerning.
To help address “the dearth of day care options” discussed by Mr. Smith, I also applaud the Lexington Planning Commission’s approval of a conditional use permit involving the proposed Yellow Brick Road Expansion at Lexington Presbyterian, reported by Joseph Haney.
The attention to the crucial day care need in our community reminded me of information I had received last summer at a Women+girls’ forum hosted by First Lady Suzanne Youngkin, during which she interviewed various professionals regarding opportunities for women and girls in the commonwealth, including Linda Tackett, regional lending manager of the Roanoke, Southwest & Southside Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA). Ms. Tackett addressed the group concerning the VSBFA’s Child Care Financing Program, which can provide up to $15,000 at 0% interest, repayable up to seven years, to qualified family day home providers and up to $250,000 at 0% interest, repayable up to 10 years, to qualified child care centers.
I called Ms. Tackett to confirm that the funds were still available for qualified applicants, and she indicated that they were at this time and that she would be very happy to provide further information by telephone at (804) 786-1049, email at vsbfa@sbsd. virginia.gov, or website at www. sbsd.virginia.gov. I hope this information is helpful to individuals or entities within our community who are seeking solutions to this serious need. PAT WIESE Rockbridge County
