This unique idea provides a solution to similar issues as across the nation, the workforce crisis and the childcare crisis. The community center has the potential to attract businesses, stimulate growth, and enhance the overall well-being of our community members. It will directly influence our workforce by creating employment opportunities, childcare opportunities, and will be an incentive for local employers when hiring.

Adequate childcare services play a crucial role in supporting families, promoting workforce participation, and fostering child development. Supporting working families is essential for economic stability and growth. Investing in adequate childcare services is an investment in the future, as it continues to the well-being of children, families, and communities, while also fostering economic growth and social development.

Recreation facilities provide opportunities for physical activity and exercise, which are essential for maintaining good health and well-being. These facilities foster a sense of belonging and community cohesion by providing shared spaces for community members to utilize. Access to recreation facilities enhances the overall quality of life for a community and boosts economic growth as well. This project is a valuable asset to our community.

The Lead public library offers a wide range of benefits to individuals and our community, including access to information, promotion of literacy, a community hub, digital inclusion, supports lifelong learning, and preserves and offers historical heritage information which is a large part of the history of the town of Lead, with Homestake Mine and other history. The library plays a vital role in enriching the lives of individuals and enhancing the well-being of the community of Lead.

National Objectives (under Additional Subcommittee Fields):

Benefit low and moderate-income persons or communities - The Lead Community Center will provide benefits to all area residents, 51.55% of the area residents are low and moderate income people and the service area is primarily residential. The community center will be open to the public and this facility will be the only indoor recreation facility in Lead. This facility will also provide childcare which has been identified as a crisis in our community that directly contributes to the workforce. This facility addresses South Dakota’s child care needs in a long-term effort and solution.

Prevent or eliminate slums or blight - This project will help to prevent blight in Lead as the current building is dilapidated beyond repair, is facing closure and is not feasible to be remodeled. If the building closes, it will sit vacant and create a blighted building in our community. A site study was conducted that confirms the current location is best suited for the new community center facility, it will provide all the requirements for the new community center.

The Lead Community Center project is urgent because the existing condition of the building poses a serious and immediate threat to the health and welfare of the community, as vital services would be lost. No other funding is available for this project other than the funds already raised.