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June marks ‘Month of Giving’ for Women’s Fund Childcare Initiative

June 1, 2022

ASHLAND – Declaring June as a “Month of Giving” for the Women’s Fund Childcare Initiative, the Women’s Fund of Ashland County Community Foundation on Wednesday officially kicked off its fundraising campaign for a new childcare center at Ashland Business Park. 

All donations made in June—up to the first $200,000— will be matched by SJE, Inc., a partner in the Childcare Initiative and one of the major employers in the industrial park.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for caring individuals in our community to double their impact in support of our efforts to make childcare more affordable and accessible for Ashland County families who need it most,” said Kristin Aspin, Chief Program Officer of Ashland County Community Foundation.

The announcement was made at SJE, Inc., at a gathering of local and state officials, business leaders and individual supporters of the initiative.

The initiative aims to support families by creating a new childcare center on donated land on Ford Drive in Ashland Business Park, which is home to 27 businesses with a total of 1,200 full-time equivalent employees. Slated to open by the end of 2023, the 12,400 square foot center will have initial capacity to serve up to 150 children, infants through school age, with room for expansion.  

While the center will be owned and operated by a new nonprofit organization, Foundations Community Childcare, it is made possible through a detailed, data-driven plan from the Women’s Fund Steering Committee. The plan features a collaborative and sustainable model that prioritizes affordability and access for families who need it most.

Community enthusiasm for the project is palpable, with support from from businesses, grants and individuals already totaling $2.2 million, Women’s Fund Steering Committee Chair and BCU Electric CFO Brenda Uselton reported.

The Women’s Fund Steering Committee is confident that their “Month of Giving,” a push for donations from the public during the month of June, will keep the project’s momentum going and bring the initiative closer to the total fundraising goal of $4.5 million. The goal includes $3.5 million for construction and startup as well as $ 1 million for endowment to support the center’s operations. 

Community members who wish to donate can do so online at www.ashlandforgood.org/childcare or by mailing a check with Women’s Fund Childcare Initiative in the subject line to Ashland County Community Foundation, 300 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805.

About Ashland County Community Foundation: Ashland County Community Foundation advances philanthropy and improves the quality of life in Ashland County by connecting people who care with causes that matter. ACCF has awarded over $20 million in scholarships, grants and distributions.

About the Women’s Fund: The Women’s Fund is a permanently endowed fund held at Ashland County Community Foundation and managed by the Women’s Fund Steering Committee. The fund was established in 2004 to create a permanent legacy that enhances the lives of women in Ashland County. Annual fund distributions are used to make grants and provide scholarships that build community among women, promote women’s advancement and strengthen Ashland County women. In 2019, the committee voted to tackle what we have identified to be one of the top barriers women in Ashland County face—lack of access to high-quality, affordable childcare. Today, the committee continues the fund’s annual, reactive grant cycle while also devoting significant time and energy to the Women’s Fund Childcare Initiative.