Helping others achieve dreams

Lakaisha McCaleb's vision of 24-hour day care

Lakaisha McCaleb poses for a portrait at Joy and Gladness Children Academy on Friday in Jefferson City. McCaleb is the owner of the 24-hour day care business, which she said continues to grow and expand with the help of her faith.
Lakaisha McCaleb poses for a portrait at Joy and Gladness Children Academy on Friday in Jefferson City. McCaleb is the owner of the 24-hour day care business, which she said continues to grow and expand with the help of her faith.

In 2010, Lakaisha McCaleb started her journey in Jefferson City as a young woman who was determined not to let adversity stop her from achieving her goal of owning her own business.

During that time, she was battling cancer while trying gain some stability in her life. Today, the 32-year-old is the owner of Joy and Gladness Children Academy, the only 24-hour day care in Jefferson City.

"This has always been bigger than me," McCaleb said. "This opportunity has been a blessing from God, not only for me but also to help other people achieve their dreams."

Originally from St. Louis, McCaleb came to Jefferson City to live with her mom for support while she battled several health issues. Since then she has become acclimated to the Jefferson City community, working with several nonprofit organizations such as United Way of Central Missouri and Dreams to Reality, a nonprofit program that supports women in transition providing interview attire and work attire to help them to be confident and prepared for employment.

"Lakaisha McCaleb is a wonderful example of someone who has been through some tough times and was willing to let her community help her," United Way President Ann Bax said. "It is truly exciting to see how her life is unfolding, especially with the opening of her 24-hour daycare."

Now, McCaleb is a board member of Dreams to Reality, helping the organization continuously give back to the community of women who may be fighting a similar battle in life.

After receiving a small business loan, McCaleb and her mother were able to open up Joy and Gladness Children Academy in March 2016. With the support of community churches, Dreams to Reality, United Way and her own perseverance, McCaleb has not only been able to sustain her business but watch it continuously grow.

When the duo first opened the daycare, they had 25 children as clients and operated from 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Starting this week, their hours will expand to 24 hours a day, serving over 40 clients.

"By offering daycare services in the evening, we are helping other parents be able to work and go to school," McCaleb said. "This is bigger than me."

The day care facility is located right past the intersection of East McCarty and Jackson streets. Currently, McCaleb offers co-pay assistance to clients, as well as parenting and GED classes, while also offering pick-up and drop-off services.

Her long-term goals are to become a franchise. "I would love to move state-to-state offering 24-hour day care services," McCaleb said.
McCaleb's advice for other entrepreneurs is to see a vision, write a plan and then execute.