AmeriCorps Grant to fund childcare resource center in southeast Missouri
KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — United Way of Southeast Missouri has received a $250,000 AmeriCorps grant to establish the region’s first Childcare Resource Center, officials announced.
The center, based in Cape Girardeau, will not provide direct childcare but will serve as a hub to strengthen childcare access and support for families across Southeast Missouri. Its work will include helping families navigate subsidies, secure placements, and connect with wraparound services, while also assisting childcare providers in overcoming challenges to starting or sustaining their businesses.
“Every day, we hear from parents who want to work but can’t because they can’t find or afford childcare,” said Matthew Ellison, United Way’s director of special initiatives, who will oversee the center. “This center is about changing that story by removing barriers so families can work and thrive, which in turn strengthens our workforce and local economy.”
AmeriCorps funding will also allow United Way to hire AmeriCorps members to staff the center. Locally, they will support providers, guide parents through available resources, and engage community members in addressing barriers to employment for working families.
Officials said the award is especially significant as many AmeriCorps programs nationwide have recently been discontinued, underscoring the urgent need for childcare resources in the region.
Community members who wish to support the initiative can donate online at unitedwayofsemo.org, by mail to 16 N. Spanish St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, or by phone at 573-334-9634. More information is available at unitedwayofsemo.org/childcare.
