Creating Opportunities for ALL

Need: There is a lack of affordable high-quality child care in the growing East Belleville region and for families living on Scott Air Force Base. Young families are struggling to find a place where they know their child(ren) will be well cared for. Children who begin kindergarten without adequate preparation struggle to perform on par with their peers. 

Our Response: We will build a new 10,000 square foot Early Childhood Education Center to accommodate 100 children, ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Our qualified, caring teachers will integrate STEM and 21st Century Skills to help children prepare for school and beyond. 

Our Financial Assistance program will ensure that all families are able to benefit from quality care, regardless of their ability to pay. 

Need: St. Clair County ranks 95 (worst) out of 102 counties in the state as it relates to health outcomes. St. Clair County's life expectancy is 7 years less than the national average. 

Our Response: New state-of-the-art wellness spaces will allow us to expand our ability to serve more people and proactively address chronic disease. New studio space will provide more opportunities for wellness in a supportive and welcoming environment, while also offering flexibility to offer programs like martial arts, ballet, and yoga. We have also planned an outdoor fitness space that will support the need to provide safe distances, while taking advantage of the benefits of being in nature. 

Need: Kids spend an average of more than seven hours a day looking at screens. Many parents - especially single parents - struggle to find the time and support to be healthy. 

Our Response: A renovated Child Watch will allow us to serve more kids and the entire family. Our new spaces will provide an unplugged environment where kids can have fun, while being active and creative. Parents will have peace-of-mind knowing their kids are in the best care. This multi-functional space will provide enriching opportunities for our tweens, including STEM and robotics.

We will also build an outdoor splash pad to provide a fun way for kids to cool off and play. 

Need: With rising obesity rates, it is critical to address a core contributor: poor nutrition. Busy schedules and lack of knowledge make it hard to create healthy habits at mealtime.

Our Response: With the new Community Kitchen, we can offer family cooking classes and education for our members. We can help prevent and combat chronic disease, understanding that good health starts in the kitchen. Our Early Childhood Education Center will share the kitchen, ensuring the kids have access to fresh, healthy meals. The space will also allow us to be a community resource, hosting local groups and providing a place for seniors to socialize and stay connected.

Need: Kids, adults, and families need to find ways to stay active and be engaged! In addition, indoor spaces are needed to ensure activities are available year-round.

Our Response: We plan to build a second gymnasium that will provide opportunities for more youth sports, adult recreation leagues, and indoor space for our day campers during inclement weather. 

Need: People in our community require support that no individual non-profit can support. We are stronger when we work together to solve problems and provide services.

Our Response: Our Early Childhood Education Center expansion will include partnership spaces on a second floor. While we work to find the right partner(s), we will build the space to accommodate them.

Need: Our facility is dated and not attractive to new members and families. Dark and closed areas prevent visibility between program areas. 

Our Response: The entire facility will get a refresh, enhancing the building character and appeal. Our lobby and welcome center will provide an inviting first impression as guests enter.