July 1, 2024, marks the first anniversary of the Oshkosh YMCA Childcare Center at UWO. As we reflect on this milestone, we are proud to celebrate the success and positive impact the center has had on our community.
A Year Ago: A Response to a Community Crisis
In April 2023, UWO announced the closure of its Children's Learning and Care Center, leaving many families in distress. Understanding the critical need for accessible childcare, the Oshkosh YMCA stepped up to fill the gap. Committed to our mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, we took over operations of the center, reopening as an Oshkosh YMCA Childcare Center.
Addressing a National and Local Need
Lack of accessible childcare is a nationwide issue, with the Bipartisan Policy Center estimating the economic impact of Wisconsin's childcare crisis to be between $4.2 to $6.4 billion. 50% of families in our state live in childcare “deserts,” which means that childcare is extremely difficult to find. At the time this center opened in 2023, nearly 1,000 children were on waitlists for childcare in Winnebago county.
Recognizing this critical need, the Oshkosh YMCA Childcare Center at UWO has been pivotal in providing quality, licensed childcare services to up to 138 children.
Making a Difference
Over the past year, the center has become more than just a place for childcare; it has become a cornerstone for many families. Here are some highlights of our journey:
-Quality Care and Education: Our center offers a stimulating, holistic approach to the development of children. From early literacy and numeracy skills to physical activities and social-emotional learning, we ensure that each child receives a balanced and enriching experience.
-Community Support: The opening of the center has provided much-needed support to local businesses and employees who were struggling to find reliable childcare options. By offering these services, we have helped parents focus on their work, knowing their children are in safe hands.
-Trusted Leadership: While the YMCA Childcare center at UWO may be new, the Y has been a trusted source of quality childcare in our community for decades. The peace of mind parents feel knowing that their children are in good care is invaluable. Each day, parents count on the experienced leadership of our childcare staff to provide the best possible care for their children, and the Y is honored to deliver.
Looking Ahead
The Oshkosh YMCA Childcare Center at UWO is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to address its challenges. As we celebrate this first anniversary, we are filled with hope and excitement for the future, and our commitment to supporting families and addressing the childcare needs of our community remains unwavering.
We are proud of the difference we have made in the past year and are eager to build on this success in the years to come.
Join us in celebrating this milestone and recognizing the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in making the Oshkosh YMCA Childcare Center at UWO a beacon of hope and support for our community. Here's to many more years of nurturing and developing the young minds of tomorrow.
Updated July 1, 2024