Pender is a small, rural community located in northeastern Nebraska with a population of approximately 1,000. Local community residents, along with the Pender Community Hospital, identified a lack of childcare within Pender as an employee recruitment and retention concern. Without the ability to provide affordable, reliable childcare to Pender’s working parents it is becoming increasingly difficult to attract quality talent to fill open jobs and grow the economy.

NMTC financing helped Pender Community Development, Inc. develop a community center in Pender that provides daycare services, wellness facilities, and other ancillary services, education, and entertainment. The 37,500 sq. ft. center is situated in the center of Pender, serving as the center-point for community and regional activities.