Willard Community Center is grateful for the generous $25,000 grant from the Woods Charitable Fund in support of the organization’s expansion of its Early Explorers program to include infant and toddler care. The expansion will add licensed care for 8 infants (6 weeks–18 months) beginning this summer and 12 toddlers (18 months–3 years) beginning in the fall, helping address Lincoln’s growing shortage of childcare for children under age three. In recent years, multiple childcare center closures across the city have significantly reduced available child care capacity, creating challenges for working families seeking reliable, high-quality care.
Willard Community Center became a licensed childcare provider in 1980 and currently operates preschool (3-5 years), school-age before & after school programming, and all-day summer programming. The organization also recently expanded its Adult and Senior Program, creating opportunities for increased intergenerational engagement between young children and older adults.
For more information about Willard Community Center or the Early Explorers program, visit Willard’s website willardcommunitycenter.org or contact the organization at (402) 475-0805.