Kenyon Legacy Fund to assist with childcare costs

The Greater Connections Childhood Development Center (GCCDC) is pleased to announce the Mary Ann Kenyon Legacy Fund. This new fund, available in 2025 to families in the community, provides financial assistance to families whose children are enrolled in the program.

The Mary Ann Kenyon Legacy Fund was created to honor the life and contributions of Mary Ann Kenyon. Mary Ann’s life was dedicated to children. As a student at Iowa State University, Mary Ann majored in early childhood development, later student teaching in Iowa City. Mary Ann was a young mother and often remarked that she was, “a kid, just trying to figure it out.” It was her youthful and patient approach that unlocked the creativity within the children around her. She made Play Doh from items in the kitchen. Her Christmas magic was all about celebrating children. She helped little fingers construct pinecone ornaments from pipe cleaners, glue and a sprinkle of glitter. Her ability to encourage creative vision manifested possibility into reality.

Mary Ann loved to play. With bright eyes, she would slide onto the floor often with new toys to add to the group. There was always a new puzzle or a favorite game. When her own children were a little older, Mary Ann taught early childhood development classes at Southwestern Community College. But even after she switched focus to a paralegal career, she returned to her playful nature whenever possible, celebrating the arrival of grandchildren with delight. She brought games into family gatherings, flush with prizes for grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Near the end of her life Mary Ann reminisced, “I always felt my best around children.” Mary Ann prioritized connections with children through play, which is very much aligned with GCCDC’s mission.

Greater Connection Childhood Development Center provides a nurturing environment that fosters curiosity, creativity and self-esteem by taking into account children’s abilities and interests. Child initiated and teacher supported play is an essential component of the program. Board President Amy Rieck serves as Chief Human Resources Officer of Greater Regional Health. “I’m glad that we had the opportunity to work with Skip. Mary Ann’s love of children is a great fit for the mission of GCCDC,” she said.

As a memorial fund in her honor, this initial concept grew into a vehicle to support young families struggling with the financial costs of childcare. The Greater Connections Childhood Development Center took the concept and made it into a tangible vehicle that will be administered through their board. “We are thrilled to offer the means to keep kids enrolled in Greater Connection’s childhood development programs,” said Director Melissa Zellmer.

The Mary Ann Kenyon Legacy Fund is scheduled to begin making allocations in 2025. Each distribution will be up to $500, made once annually to each qualifying family. At this time eight families can benefit. “The way it works is that after an application is submitted to Greater Connections for my review, it is passed on to the board for final determination. Once the application is approved the money will be directly applied to childcare costs at Greater Connections,” Zellmer said.

“All families struggle. That’s just the reality of life,” said Skip Kenyon. “My wife and I experienced times when our finances were tight and we hope that this fund provides some help.”

Generous donations from within the community allowed the modest memorial fund to grow into a self-sustaining vehicle that will make annual distributions to families in need. Further contributions are encouraged.

“The more contributions to the fund, the more families we can help.” Skip continued, “The goal of the fund is to reach families who don’t currently qualify for government assistance. It’s often those families who experience financial pressure without state or federal help.”

Contact Skip Kenyon or Melissa Zellmer at (641) 782-7117 to find out how to contribute.