2020-05-18 Julia Donegan
Charlene Way
From:Julia Donegan <juliadonegan1@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, May 18, 2020 12:26 PM
To:City Clerk
Cc:jimjjust27@gmail.com
Subject:Support for Elisabeth Songe - Frazier Council Review
Dear Meridian City Council:
This message is in support of childcare provider Elisabeth Songe, whose permit I hear was revoked by the
City recently after a neighbor's appeal. Out of an interest in local government and my knowledge of the
critical shortage of childcare in the Treasure Valley, I feel compelled to comment despite having limited
personal connection to Elisabeth. I have reviewed the public documents associated with the initial appeal
and Elisabeth's follow up and it is clear to me that the neighbor was mistaken.
We are all aware of the short supply of local childcare, especially during the pandemic. In even shorter
supply is culturally-appropriate childcare for immigrant families by providers who can support the language
and cultural needs of children as they grow. I know that Elisabeth lives in a dual-language household with
Swahili and English, she is learning more every day, and she provides a healthy childcare environment
tailored to the children's unique needs. Prior to Elisabeth losing her permit, she was caring for newly-
arrived refugee children, who would not be well supported in traditional childcare centers and have likely
been struggling since Elisabeth had to close due to this issue.
It is terrible that Elisabeth lost her permit due to a neighbor's mistake - I assume he just doesn't open all of
his mail. It is also unfortunate that Elisabeth apparently did not understand she was supposed to attend a
March hearing despite a COVID 19 shutdown in the area. I hope that this case can be a lesson in effective
communications to citizens who risk losing their business permit and thus livelihood.
Elisabeth's small childcare is critical to our community, economy, and the unique families she has served
in the past. Please do the right thing and realize this revocation was based on poor information that has
now been corrected with documents submitted in April, and allow Elisabeth to resume her much-deserved
and valuable small business..
Thank you for your time.
Julia Donegan
Community Advocate
5275 South Deselm Way Boise, ID 83716
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