Our Journey This Far

In the early winter of 2021 during the height of the pandemic, the MacGregor Chamber of Commerce sent out a survey to investigate the need for affordable, government-licenced childcare right here in North Norfolk, Manitoba. The response they received was overwhelming. Soon a call went out for a board willing to start a childcare facility in both MacGregor and Austin.

The first North Norfolk Childcare Centre (NNCC) board was formed in the spring of 2021, headed by Marybeth Kamphuis, with organizing, fundraising and location scouting beginning later that year. By 2022 the board was in full swing, with Jo-elle Early taking over the presidency. Spring and Summer of 2022 saw us undertake some major fundraising efforts, including a Gala and selling for at the Thresherman’s Reunion.

It is our community and our donors who we truly want to thank for our successes so far. If you are interested in donating or volunteering your time click here.

Our Austin Location

In November of 2022, a generous offer came for the NNCC to take over the Austin & Area Lions Clubhouse for our first childcare facility location for the price of one dollar. In January 2023, we took possession and are excited to begin renovations and look to hire a director in the near future.

While our plans are still to begin a centre in MacGregor as well, to be gifted this building brings our dreams much closer to fruition.

We want to say a huge thanks to the Austin & Area Lions for their generous offer to sell us their clubhouse for only a dollar. This gift will help countless families over the years to come.

Our Board

Jo-elle Early, President

I have lived in the Municipality of North Norfolk most of my life. I am a mother of two who knows firsthand how difficult it can be to obtain quality childcare in a rural community. I have supported our community by being on a variety of organizational boards in the past. I bring years of experience working with business startups as well as financial analysis/business planning. My goal on the board is to "create enough childcare spots to grow our communities and support our local families."

Nicole Blyth, Vice President

I grew up in Macgregor and am an avid volunteer who believes in bettering our community and supporting each other. I work in the Agriculture Industry. You can find me at work or on the farm with my husband and daughter. Feel free to reach out anytime.

Tanya Hewitt, Treasurer

I am a mother of one. I enjoy reading and collecting books. I am also the owner and maker of Midsummer Soaps.

Janet Sims, Secretary

Hi! My name is Janet Sims and I'm proud to be a part of the board of the NNCC. I also happen to be a mom of two, a teacher, and a farmer’s wife. I enjoy knitting, reading, gardening, and generally being active. If you see me around feel free to introduce yourself!

Carmen Manns

Hi! My name is Carmen Manns. I have lived most of my life within North Norfolk and currently live on a farm in Firdale with my husband and daughter! I enjoy cooking, reading, and visiting with friends.

I am a Registered Nurse at the Portage Hospital, ER. As a shift worker it is a struggles to find childcare that is flexible! I look forward to assisting with the childcare centre for North Norfolk.

Devan Valen

Hi! My name is Devan Valen, I am a mom of a very energetic and loving 5 year old daughter who is light of our life! Along with our daughter, my husband and I are live in Austin and I work as an Office Manager at a local farm services company. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, diy projects and helping with community events! I joined the board as I know first hand how hard it is to find childcare and I am so excited for the new daycare to open in our community! 

Jessica Doerksen

Hey there!

I was introduced to this community thanks to my husband who grew up here. I love being a part of this municipality and wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m a full time working mom of twin boys. I firsthand know how difficult it is to find childcare in a rural area. I bring a few years experience working in the childcare field and I plan on bringing my knowledge to the table. With our fantastic board and phenomenal community, I believe we can provide a fantastic centre!

Our Journey This Far

In the early winter of 2021 during the height of the pandemic, the MacGregor Chamber of Commerce sent out a survey to investigate the need for affordable, government-licenced childcare right here in North Norfolk, Manitoba. The response they received was overwhelming. Soon a call went out for a board willing to start a childcare facility in both MacGregor and Austin.

The first North Norfolk Childcare Centre (NNCC) board was formed in the spring of 2021, headed by Marybeth Kamphuis, with organizing, fundraising and location scouting beginning later that year. By 2022 the board was in full swing, with Jo-elle Early taking over the presidency. Spring and Summer of 2022 saw us undertake some major fundraising efforts, including a Gala and selling for at the Thresherman’s Reunion.

It is our community and our donors who we truly want to thank for our successes so far. If you are interested in donating or volunteering your time click here.

Our Austin Location

In November of 2022, a generous offer came for the NNCC to take over the Austin & Area Lions Clubhouse for our first childcare facility location for the price of one dollar. In January 2023, we took possession and are excited to begin renovations and look to hire a director in the near future.

While our plans are still to begin a centre in MacGregor as well, to be gifted this building brings our dreams much closer to fruition.

We want to say a huge thanks to the Austin & Area Lions for their generous offer to sell us their clubhouse for only a dollar. This gift will help countless families over the years to come.

Our Board

Jo-elle Early, President

I have lived in the Municipality of North Norfolk most of my life. I am a mother of two who knows firsthand how difficult it can be to obtain quality childcare in a rural community. I have supported our community by being on a variety of organizational boards in the past. I bring years of experience working with business startups as well as financial analysis/business planning. My goal on the board is to "create enough childcare spots to grow our communities and support our local families."

Nicole Blyth, Vice President

I grew up in Macgregor and am an avid volunteer who believes in bettering our community and supporting each other. I work in the Agriculture Industry. You can find me at work or on the farm with my husband and daughter. Feel free to reach out anytime.

Tanya Hewitt, Treasurer

I am a mother of one. I enjoy reading and collecting books. I am also the owner and maker of Midsummer Soaps.

Janet Sims, Secretary

Hi! My name is Janet Sims and I'm proud to be a part of the board of the NNCC. I also happen to be a mom of two, a teacher, and a farmer’s wife. I enjoy knitting, reading, gardening, and generally being active. If you see me around feel free to introduce yourself!

Carmen Manns

Information coming soon

Devan Valen

Hi! My name is Devan Valen, I am a mom of a very energetic and loving 5 year old daughter who is light of our life! Along with our daughter, my husband and I are live in Austin and I work as an Office Manager at a local farm services company. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, diy projects and helping with community events! I joined the board as I know first hand how hard it is to find childcare and I am so excited for the new daycare to open in our community! 

Jessica Doerksen


Information coming soon

Caring for the Children of North Norfolk