Rivers & Roads Consulting Assists Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers Complete Next Strategic Plan

Easton, MD – Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers (CACC) is excited to announce the launch of its comprehensive strategic plan for 2024, developed with the assistance of Rivers & Roads Consulting through a rigorous SWOT analysis and strategic planning sessions. This initiative is designed to enhance the organization’s capacity to meet the diverse needs of the community, strengthen partnerships, and ensure financial sustainability.

Led by Executive Director Cristy Morrell, CACC is committed to addressing the evolving needs of families in the community. Through this collaboration, CACC aims to create a clear roadmap that articulates its vision, engages key stakeholders, and establishes measurable outcomes. “We chose to work with Rivers & Roads because of their innovative approach to strategic planning and are very satisfied with the outcomes of the strategic planning process,” said Morrell. “Our consultant Chris Wheedleton’s expertise in community engagement and nonprofit development were invaluable as we worked together to refine our mission and explore our future impact on our community.”

Rivers & Roads Consulting partnered with the strategic planning committee of CACC’s Board, facilitating a series of sessions that helped guide the organization through a comprehensive assessment of its internal and external environments. This collaboration led to the identification of strategic issues and set the stage for informed decision-making to direct the organization’s future growth.

“Strategic planning is vital for nonprofits to remain adaptable and mission-focused,” said Chris Wheedleton of Rivers & Roads Consulting. “It was an honor to work with Critchlow Adkins, an organization deeply committed to nurturing young minds and fostering a supportive environment for families. This plan equips them to proactively navigate challenges and leverage opportunities to better serve their community.”

Through the strategic plan, CACC aims to enhance its services, foster deeper community connections, and secure its role as a leader in early childhood education. This collaborative effort with Rivers & Roads marks a proactive approach to meeting the needs of families and sustaining impactful childcare programs for years to come.

Key priorities identified in the strategic plan include:

1. Succession Planning – Investing in talent development and retention through training and team-building initiatives to ensure leadership continuity.
2. Marketing and Development – Elevating public awareness of CACC’s mission and developing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to build the organization’s endowment and expand its reach.
3. Addressing Community Needs – Enhancing programs to support diverse populations, with a particular focus on bilingual families and students with special needs, ensuring inclusive and comprehensive care for all.
4. Operational Preparedness – Planning for program and facility expansion to meet increasing demand, while maintaining flexibility in operations and staffing.
5. Financial Sustainability – Reviewing fee structures and diversifying funding sources to navigate economic fluctuations and ensure long-term financial health.

Founded in 1970, CACC has provided high-quality, licensed, and accredited childcare to four generations of children in Talbot County. The organization’s programs—spanning preschool, before- and after-school care, and summer camps—use a STEAM-focused curriculum that inspires curiosity, problem-solving, and a lifelong love of learning. With initiatives such as Raising a Reader and VIOLETS, CACC’s commitment to early literacy and comprehensive enrichment programming underscores its mission to Build a Brighter Future for every child.

For more information on CACC and its strategic initiatives, please their website at https://cacckids.org/.