Encompass addresses local child care needs with US Venture

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – Inside the Encompass Cornerstone Center on Broadway in Green Bay, Jess Harvey and her team are working hard to meet the child care needs of Brown County.

“Needs can vary,” explained Harvey, senior director of the childcare organization’s Cornerstone location. “We know the needs of the community and that’s important.”

In 2023, US Venture distributed more than $3 million to deserving organizations in the region through Basic Needs Partnership Grants. Encompass was one of the worthy beneficiaries.

“It helps children get high-quality education and early care, but it also helps families meet their expenses,” explained Alex Priddy, director of fund development at Encompass. “It supports our tuition assistance program. It also supports our Childhood Family Support Program. These are two grant-funded areas that are really at the heart of Encompass and why we are here in the community.”

Founded in 1919, Encompass has been providing an important resource for parents in Brown County for over 105 years. With seven locations in Brown County and one now open in Oconto County, Priddy says the need for child care is as great as ever.

“Across the state, we’re seeing what they call ‘Childcare Deserts,’ and that means there aren’t enough spots and there aren’t enough affordable childcare options in many pockets of our state,” Priddy explained. “We’re making childcare affordable and accessible to families.”

Across eight locations, Encompass helps more than 500 families with childcare, serving more than 500 children a day and approximately 1,100 children a year, aged six weeks to 12 years.

“Just giving them an opportunity to explore,” said Frances Slezak, lead teacher and 4k teacher at Encompass Cornerstone Center. “These things are so important to be able to do and contribute to our community, not just in the lives of four kids, but the whole picture because our kids are safe. Our children are taken care of. Our kids are able to learn and grow and try new things.”

A safe culture full of fun and opportunity is something Harvey is proud her team is able to provide daily to the families who use Encompass services, including her own two daughters.

“I can make decisions and support the way I would want my own children to be supported and trust that their needs are heard and answered just like anyone else’s,” Harvey said. “I try to make that connection with the parents. I try to make that connection with the kids because when you know what kind of services we provide here, it’s so easy to be motivated every day.”

To learn more about Encompass and the services offered, visit the website.

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