Big news for Owensboro families! The YMCA just unveiled a major childcare expansion, offering crucial support for infants and toddlers. This rapid response to a community need truly shows what collective effort can achieve. How do you think this initiative will impact local families and the future of early childhood education in Daviess County?
The Owensboro YMCA has initiated a significant childcare expansion, responding proactively to the escalating demand for early childhood education and infant toddler care within Daviess County. This crucial initiative aims to significantly increase childcare options for area residents, marking a pivotal moment for community development and support for working families.
The first phase of this ambitious project was recently celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, unveiling expanded facilities designed for children aged six weeks to four years old. This initial expansion has successfully added 38 new slots, specifically catering to infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children, an investment of just over $250,000, entirely funded through robust community support.
Remarkably, the speed at which the YMCA brought this first phase to fruition is a testament to its dedication. The impetus for this rapid adjustment stemmed from the impending closure of the Lourdes Catholic Church daycare at the end of July. Recognizing the urgent need, the process for securing additional child care licenses was dramatically expedited.
By swiftly obtaining licenses for additional rooms, the YMCA has also ingeniously managed to continue serving school-age children without having to wait for the completion of the project’s subsequent phases. This strategic foresight ensures continuous provision of vital childcare services, alleviating immediate pressure on local families.
Looking ahead, the second phase of the expansion involves the construction of a new 6,000-square-foot building. This dedicated facility will exclusively house school-age children and is anticipated to open its doors in January, further enhancing the YMCA’s capacity to address the growing childcare needs of Owensboro.
The third and final phase of the project is currently underway, with the YMCA actively pursuing a Community Development Block Grant in collaboration with Daviess Fiscal Court. This phase will strategically remodel existing racquetball courts to create an additional 50 childcare slots, showcasing an innovative approach to resource utilization.
Candance Castlen Brake, president and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, lauded the project, stating, “This project is truly one of those that encapsulate the spirit of Owensboro. Give us an issue, tell us others aren’t making it work, and we are going to get together and make it work.” Her remarks underscored the powerful impact of local collaboration and the strength of community support.
Daviess County Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen provided a poignant personal perspective, sharing that his own grandchildren were displaced by the Lourdes daycare closure. This firsthand experience highlighted the critical urgency behind the YMCA’s swift action in opening the new childcare facilities as quickly as possible, emphasizing the real-world impact on families in Daviess County.
Further emphasizing the collaborative spirit, Berry from the Public Life Foundation remarked, “This is truly a shiny example of a coalition that was built between government, between business and between philanthropy.” He expressed pride in partnering with the YMCA, a consistent and vital ally in their four-year commitment to early childhood education projects.
