New CCEDC director gives needed items to new daycare
Cheena Parsons, left, shows off computers donated by Tri-Hydro that Yvonne Johnson, right, acquired as Shelby Merrill looks on.
On October 23, co-founders of Village Valley Childcare, Shelby Merrill and Cheena Parsons, were having lunch with Yvonne Johnson, Director of the Carbon County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) at the Wolf Hotel restaurant when Johnson said she had a surprise for the two women.
Taking them outside, she took them to the Wolf Hotel's porch area where she presented them with a large wrapped box. Merrill elected to open the package as Parsons looked over.
The ladies were shocked to find two laptop computers for the day care center which is slated to open November 3.
Johnson said she had been in a meeting with Joe Parsons on October 8 concerning Valley Village Day Care and what the facility would need. He mentioned different items including computers.
Johnson remembered the wish list when she was at a meeting in Laramie for Wyoming Working Together on October 14.
"I met Christina Hiegel from Tri-Hydro, based in Lararmie," Johnson said. "I was asked about what was going on around our county and I mentioned Valley Village Childcare, among other things. I told her of the need the facility had for computers and to my surprise she told me to follow her to her office after our meeting. I did and she had two computers to give me."
Johnson was happy with Tri-Hydro's gift, but she wanted to surprise the Valley Village Childcare staff, so she set up the lunch. The surprise worked. Both Parsons and Merrill were all smiles as they saw what they had received.
"We had no idea," Merrill said. "This is amazing. I can't believe it."
"Thank you so much," Parsons chimed in. "This really will help."
Johnson has not been the director for very long, but her impact is being felt throughout the county in the short time frame she has been working. She has been pitching grants for businesses and non-profits. Johnson has also been going to town councils to introduce herself and letting municipalities know she is there to help in any way she can.
"I grew up in Carbon County and lived here for many years and I know there are needs throughout the place," Johnson said. "Seeing the smiles on the faces of Cheena and Shelby after getting them the computers really make this job rewarding. I hope to be doing a lot things like this for others like them."
The staff at Valley Village Childcare is glad she is doing exactly what she is.
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