The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, Jan. 20, for the Bright By Text service. As a result of a partnership between the Child Care and Early Learning Coalition, also known as LaunchPad, and Early Childhood Alliance, relatives of children 8 and younger may receive free child care tips via text message. From left: Chamber Ambassadors Chris Plack and Corbin Holtsberry, Chamber Member Relations Manager Scott Wiley, LaunchPad Director Sherry Searles, Early Childhood Alliance Chief Community Relations Officer Shannon Gage and Chamber Ambassador Chris Zolman and President and CEO Rob Parker. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Relatives of children age 8 and younger in Kosciusko County now have a free resource to facilitate their well-being right at their fingertips.

On Wednesday, Jan. 20, the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon-cutting for the resource Bright By Text on the same day the new service began operations.

The resource is part of a partnership between Kosciusko County’s Child Care and Early Learning Coalition, also known as LaunchPad, and Early Childhood Alliance.

Relatives just need to text “Child” to 274448 to use the service. They’ll receive information to help children physically, emotionally, educationally and mentally. The service is available in English and Spanish.

“We’re excited to be able to get this in the hands of families and to be able to support them in their journey as a parent,” said Early Childhood Alliance Chief Community Relations Officer Shannon Gage.

People may receive information based on the age of their child. They also can receive information about related community events.

There’s one Early Childhood Alliance employee overseeing the program, said Gage. Allen County is another local county that takes part in the national resource.

“We were thrilled to be invited to be part of this initiative because we know that our families will greatly benefit as the families in Allen County have,” said LaunchPad Director Sherry Searles.

Gage said she hoped the resource could “empower families and arm them with ways to support their children and give them any tips and resources, so that they can feel successful.”