YWCA Grand Island Speeds Up Renovation to Immediately Open More Childcare Spots at Starr Elementary Site
GRAND ISLAND, NE – Recognizing the urgent need for safe and reliable childcare—a need that is the largest in the entire state of Nebraska—YWCA Grand Island has accelerated the initial phase of its Building Brighter Futures; capital campaign.
This initial phase focuses on renovating the two existing smaller buildings (sometimes called 'portables') at 315 Wyandotte, the former Starr Elementary school. These upgraded buildings will permanently house the popular 'Almost Home'; after-school program (serving children in grades Kindergarten through fifth).
“During the last year, we saw an increase in need of our school age programs,” stated Executive Director Amy Bennett. “To accommodate more families, we moved the Almost Home program to one of the modulars and the gym of the main building. Our plan was to continue this way and renovate the modulars as part of the overall renovation project. Then we found families need school age care now, they cannot wait. We adjusted our plans to serve the families in our community immediately.”
To keep the children safe and the program aligned with state licensing, the Almost Home program had temporarily used space inside the main Starr Elementary building. Now, to clear the main building for its extensive Phase 2 renovation, the two smaller buildings are being overhauled to meet all state licensing requirements, allowing the Almost Home program to continue operating at its current location without interruption.
Kristine Vanhoosen, Director of Early Education and Care at YWCA Grand Island, emphasized
the local benefit.
“We offer safe and enriching care during the critical after-school hours, allowing parents to work
fully engaged, knowing their children are learning and thriving.” Vanhoosen said. “This increased stability directly benefits local employers as well—reducing absenteeism, improving employee retention, and helping attract new talent to our community.”
This focus on the smaller buildings is only the first step. Phase 2 of the project, the renovation of the main Starr Elementary building, remains crucial because it will add at least another 150 dedicated childcare spots to Grand Island.
Bennett confirmed that the former elementary school building needs a total overhaul to make it a safe, quality space for kids. This includes replacing the 40-year-old heating and cooling (HVAC) system to ensure a healthy environment, adding a commercial kitchen, replacing the roof and parking lot, and constructing permanent walls.
The YWCA has raised $2.6 million of the needed $6.5 million for the complete main building renovation, meaning $3.9 million in community support is still required to begin Phase 2.
“The new center, serving ages 0-12, ensures that Grand Island continues to grow as a place where people want to live, work, and raise their children,” Vanhoosen shared.
How to Support the 'Building Brighter Futures' Campaign
YWCA Grand Island needs to raise the final $3.9 million to begin Phase 2 and create 150 new, licensed childcare spots for infants, toddlers, and preschool children in our community.
Every contribution helps area families and employers.
*Donate Online: Visit www.ywca-gi.org
*Contact Our Campaign Team: For questions about major gifts, pledges, or in-kind donations, please contact: Amy Bennett, Executive Director, YWCA Grand Island, (308)384-9922
* Mail Contributions: Please make checks payable to YWCA Grand Island and note
'Building Brighter Futures' in the memo line. Mail to :211 E Fonner Park Rd, Grand
Island, NE 68801
About YWCA Grand Island:
YWCA works every day to eliminate racism and empower women. Through advocacy and local programming, YWCA creates real change for women, families and communities. Visit for more
programming details: www.ywca-gi.org