Some people just know their calling early on in life, and for Lynnette McCarty, the story’s no different. As an Olympia native, not only is Lynnette heavily involved in the community she calls home, but she also serves in various roles for South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Foundation and owns the successful Serendipity Children’s Center, among many other accomplishments in her life.
Although she grew up in Olympia, Lynnette took the opportunity throughout her life to also live short stints in Idaho, Maui and Centralia before returning to the city that was always considered home. Upon graduation from Olympia High School in 1972, Lynnette went on to attend Centralia Community College where she earned her Associate Arts degree followed up her Bachelors of Arts degree in business from The Evergreen State College.
As life progressed, Lynnette found herself in banking, but as time went on and her family grew to include two daughters, her realization that she possessed the heart of a teacher persuaded her next career path. After recognizing early education was her calling, it didn’t take long for Serendipity Children’s Center to come into her life 32 years ago. Since purchasing the original company, Lynnette has bought commercial buildings as well as opened a second site at SPSCC. Today, she’s licensed at both sites for 265 children and a team of 78 staff along with four leadership roles. “My growth over the years has been slow and steady,” explains Lynnette. “I have always realized the need for quality care in our community and have worked tirelessly to keep that as my main focus. It’s challenging work, and it takes a dedicated staff, which I am proud to say I have, and the tenacity to work through the hard times like we have these last months.”
Being the owner of Serendipity Children’s Center is without a doubt Lynnette’s calling, and it also means that she’s heavily involved in all aspects of policy making, budget planning and most recently making many challenging decisions during COVID-19. “We have stayed open from the onset of COVID,” says Lynnette, “and it has been the challenge of my life to keep our doors open, staff happy and leadership inspired.”
One of the most important moves that Serendipity Children’s Center has taken is into SPSCC. Located in Building 20 on campus, the Center provides care for children ages six weeks to five years. The services are offered based on availability to students, staff, and the community. With her business on campus, it was inevitable that Lynnette’s giving personality would land her in various positions over the years.
South Puget Sound Community College Volunteer Service
After being invited to be a part of the SPSCC Board nine years ago, she became hooked and found a true love in the role. “It gives me a chance to hear stories,” expresses Lynnette, “be on campus and use my gifts. I have served as chairman of the annual fundraiser (The Experience) since almost the beginning of my time sitting on the board. I believe that so much of our community benefits from what SPSCC provides! I am passionate about raising money for our students and love to read stories about the successful completion due to the scholarship assistance.”
The fundraising event chair works with the Foundation staff and other members of the community. “For the last couple of years, we have had the pleasure of hiring Valerie Fluetsch, a local event specialist, to be a part of that group,” says Lynnette. The board and staff works hard to raise money in advance before creating a community event that differs each year but is still grounded in the mission of raising money for SPSCC students. “It is an event that I truly love and believe makes a difference. It allows community members to come together, hear stories about our students’ successes, and is a night special and vastly different than the other fundraising events in the community!” As you can imagine, the foundation has needed to rethink this signature event during the pandemic. They moved to a virtual event and in 2022 they are excited to be hosting the college’s 60th Anniversary and foundation’s 40th Anniversary party at the new Craft Brewing and Distilling Party this summer. “We are so excited to be able to celebrate with our incredible and supportive community – IN PERSON. We look forward to seeing you there”, Lynnette says.
Currently, Lynnette sits on the Foundation Board where she’s also served as president three years ago and sat on the Executive Board. Most recently, Lynnette is excited to have been inducted into the Leadership Circle. “It has taken me awhile to get to this place,” states Lynnette, “but I have given my time and money over the years and am proud to be a part of this Circle.”
Being both a local business owner and a community leader has been one of continued growth and national presence for Lynnette. Notably, she’s been a member of the Association of Early Learning Leaders among other leadership roles along the way. “Most recently,” explains Lynnette, “I have been able to pull all past presidents together to form a Legacy Commission, which allows us to raise funds for scholarships. With these funds, directors are given the opportunity to learn and grow at either leadership conferences or other training offered by the organization. This training helps them grow and facilitate those who own or operate an early education facility.”
Ongoing and continued growth is very important to Lynnette. “As I grow as a leader,” states Lynnette, “I try to focus my leadership skills to teach others and assist when I can in early learning management, but to also be a part of the community that has supported my business for the last thirty plus years.” Being just four credits away from her masters in school administration means that her newfound skills will even further benefit the Thurston County community.
More recently, Lynnette expresses that while her business has grown over the years, she has been worried about the childcare industry as a whole. “The industry is in crisis due to COVID related obstacles,” says Lynnette. “These include limited resources for staffing, wage increases that cannot be supported, and simply the overwhelming stress that is created by the unknown. To survive, I have had to raise rates just to keep salaries at a level where my team will not leave for higher wages.”
As the rather uncertain future continues to make waves, Lynnette has prepared Serendipity Children’s Center as best as she can utilizing grant funding and Paycheck Protection Program dollars. The importance of quality childcare and a quality place for children to thrive while parents are working is what keeps her going and hopeful for a day when things begin to turn around. Until then, she remains positive and spends her spare time with her two adult daughters, one of which graduated from SPSCC and owns Luxe for Style in Tumwater, as well as her four granddaughters.
“In conclusion,” states Lynnette, “I am grateful! I have seen an outpouring of good people helping along the way to keep our community thriving. It’s during the tough times we see the spirit of those willing to pull together to get the job done. I will continue to serve in the community I love as long as I am able!”
For more information, visit the Serendipity Children’s Center website and South Puget Sound Community College website.
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