Everyone has heard the adage that it takes a village to raise a child. In the case of ACAP Child Care, this is especially true. With the pending loss of After School in three of our local schools and minimal funding for Child Care Resource and Referral, they were looking at the possibility of having to close the program.

Putting together information on the need and impact quality childcare has on families, businesses, and our community, the program went to our legislature, our community and the County looking for support. The good news is that everyone we asked understood the need and stepped up to help continue these vital programs.

Senator Betty Little and her staff worked with the Governor’s office to secure funding for the After School Program, assuring that over 120 children will have a safe, nurturing place to go after school.

Essex County Department of Social Services, Adirondack Trust and Cloudsplitter Foundation will also be providing funding. Having worked closely with DSS to increase quality childcare they were aware of the need and were able to find funding to support ACAP Child Care Resource and Referral. The agency also worked with Adirondack Trust and submitted a proposal to Cloudsplitter Foundation to help with recruitment and training to increase childcare slots. The foundation supports the efforts of organizations to make lives better for the resident of the Adirondacks.

“It was wonderful to see how everyone came together to support the need for quality childcare in Essex County” stated Marge Zmijewski, Program Director. “We all know the impact quality childcare can have on children, the parents and our community and we are grateful that so many have showed their faith in us and our programs.”