A long-awaited childcare facility is set to break ground in Valentine, Nebraska, offering essential support for local families. The Valentine Children and Families Coalition is preparing to launch the new facility in the basement of St. John’s Episcopal Church, with plans to open by February 1.

The coalition has secured a lease from the church for just $1 per year for the next decade.

“They’re not doing it to make money, but to be a service to the community,” said Jill Austin, Director of the Valentine Children and Families Coalition.

Austin has been working on the $100,000 project for about a year, securing funding for renovations and location scouting. Planned upgrades for the facility include installing egress windows, a new HVAC system, flooring, cabinetry, and fresh paint.

“There’s always been a discussion for a childcare facility. We’re finally getting there. It will elevate the current need that we have, but it will also expand the workforce, whether it’s people going to work or moving here because they can now find childcare,” Austin explained.

The facility will have a capacity for up to 30 children, depending on staff availability and the ages of the children. Austin already has one provider lined up, a former kindergarten teacher with eight years of experience.

“We have a provider who was a teacher in Todd County. She was a kindergarten teacher for eight years,” Austin shared.

By May, Austin hopes to hire an additional childcare worker, which would allow the center to care for 12 children, including up to four infants under 18 months.

“We’re also looking into the potential for a sublease, where someone could care for four infants in one room,” Austin added. “Infant childcare is an especially critical need in Valentine.”

During a meeting with Cherry County commissioners on Tuesday, Austin announced the county's commitment of $50,000 in ARPA funds to support the project.

“It’s very exciting for the community,” said Cherry County Commissioner Nina Nelson.