Kalisha Abercrombie Tucker has been an educator for over 30 years and knows the challenges that traditional childcare facilities pose to families who may not have a traditional schedule. Through her experience as an executive director in an early childcare facility and work with different group homes, she found a passion and need for her services in the Fayetteville community. Kalisha created The Drop Zone, an hourly, drop-in, childcare facility to meet the needs of families in Fayetteville. The Drop Zone’s mission is to use every opportunity, engagement, interaction, and experience to positively transform the lives of the children and families they serve.

As a mom of 8, and now grandmother of 22, Kalisha’s calling has always been to nurture children. According to her “That’s just how God made me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She had seen a lot of things in childcare she liked, a lot more that she didn’t like, and knew she wanted to create a space where children would be loved and cared for. The Drop Zone provides that safe haven for children and families needing flexible childcare. 

There was a point in time where Kalisha was a single mom and she knew how hard it was to find quality child care that works with your schedule. She wanted to ease the burden and make sure there was an option for other families struggling to find childcare in Fayetteville. Her options have been an even bigger blessing throughout the pandemic as she is now a remote learning site, where children can be cared for and complete their virtual schoolwork in a safe, nurturing environment. Covid-19 has presented unique challenges for everyone, but The Drop Zone has rolled with the punches. With lower ratios, mask-wearing, and social distancing, they are still as busy as ever.

When asked how the Women’s Business Center helped The Drop Zone, Kalisha said,

“I can’t imagine being in business without them. I’m an educator, not a businesswoman, so I needed help on that side of the business.”

We provided her with education through our various classes and workshops, as well as marketing guidance and networking opportunities. To Kalisha, the biggest blessing is just knowing that we are here for her.

In the future, Kalisha hopes to leave the space they are leasing and buy land to build her vision of The Drop Zone out. She hopes to continue to grow her brand and soon have a Drop Zone in all 100 counties of North Carolina. Wherever Kalisha and The Drop Zone go in the future, we will always be in their corner.

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