Lauren Hammitt Named Director of Garner Community Christian Child Care

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Garner, Iowa – This week, Garner Community Christian Child Care (GC4) formally announced that Lauren Hammitt will become the new Director of the Center. She is an 8-year veteran of the organization who has been serving as Interim Director since February.

The selection of Hammitt for the role was unanimously approved by the GC4 Board of Directors. Previously, Hammitt worked as the Center’s Lead Infant Teacher.

“We could not be more pleased to offer Lauren the role as Director,” said Reid Weiland, Chairman of the GC4 Board of Directors. “Her unwavering dedication to our families and the community is more than evident – everyone knows and loves Lauren!  We are fortunate to have a hometown leader with Christian values assuming this important role. We look forward to her contribution to the GC4 expansion and service to the broader community."

Lauren Hammitt has been with GC4 since its founding in 2017, and has supported the organization through its transition from St. Boniface Catholic Church to its current location at Garner Evangelical Free Church. Now, she is poised to lead the institution through a major expansion.

In 2025, GC4 will break ground on a $3.9 million, 9,000 square-foot building in downtown Garner. The state-of-the-art facility will enable GC4 to increase its enrollment from around 40 children to more than 100, serving a critical need in one of the highest demand regions for child care in the state. The Center has received donations from more than 30 local businesses and individuals, as well as a $1.8M matching grant from the State to fund the project.

Speaking about her promotion and the expansion, Hammitt expressed great optimism.

“It’s an amazing time to be at GC4, and I could not be more excited about the expansion and this team of teachers. I truly love going to work every day, and I take great personal pride in the success of the Center. I’m honored for the opportunity to lead GC4 into this next phase of growth, working in collaboration with staff, families, the Board, and the broader community.”

Hammitt replaces outgoing Director Cara Fish, who served in the role from 2021 to January, 2025. In February, Forest City native Natalie Larson also joined GC4 as Assistant Director.

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Garner Community Christian Child Care

Garner Community Christian Child Care is a non-denominational nonprofit 501(c)3 organization located in the heart of Hancock County. In partnership with home and community, we provide a Christ-centered, safe, educational and developmentally appropriate environment for children.

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Contact:

Reid Weiland, Chairman of the Board

Garner Christian Community Child Care

641-430-7755

info@gc4childcare.com

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