Many, who started as Kindergartners, had the benefit of longtime relationships with the Hephzibah childcare workers. This was evident in the sentiments expressed during the evening.The party featured pizza, cupcakes, soda and plenty of fond memories as family, staff and students discussed the profound impact Hephzibah's Day Care Program had in their lives.
“I liked how the staff always took time to help me with my homework …plus the awesome field trips” said graduating day care student Amy Smith* who added, “I’ll really miss the staff most of all.” *name changed
Parent Cabrini Watson noted, “Hephzibah’s day care has been a tremendous experience for me as a parent and for both our children. I hope that future parents and children get to have the wonderful experience we have had.”
“You may be graduating from the program but please keep in touch," said Day Care Supervisor, Rose Mary Carroll, who has worked with our children for over 25 years. "Stop by if you need anything, or simply want to visit. Know that we will always be here for you.”
Many graduates have taken this to heart. According to program director, Jan Maxson, "a large number of day care alumni return as staff volunteers when they enter high school . Because they received so much from the program, and had such a positive experience, they want to give back.”
For over 36 years, Hephzibah's Day Care has offered this legacy of support and caring for the children and families in our community, and we plan continue to help for generations to come. Visit our Day Care page to learn more.
Thank you to the Rotary Club of Oak Park and River Forest for their support of a transition program, "From Hephzibah to Beyond", that focused on preparing our graduates for the middle school experience.
Congratulations to the 2011 Day Care Alumni!
News Update: Despite Funding Cutbacks, Hephzibah's Day Care Program Remains an Important Community Resource
Each year, Hephzibah's Day Care program serves more than 600 children from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Our fees are assessed on a sliding scale to ensure every family in our community has access to quality day care - regardless of income.
Of the 600 children in our Day Care, one-hundred and fifty to two hundred youngsters from struggling families have had their tuition underwritten in part by a substantial grant from United Way. This year United Way announced that they were changing their funding guidelines and would no longer support the Program.
Fortunately the Community Chest of Oak Park and River Forest came through at the last minute with $75,000 grant. We are incredibly grateful for their substantial contribution. Many Oak Park families are struggling economically and their children need a safe place to go after school. Supporting education is the best way to ensure a healthy and bright future for our community.
Unsupervised time after school hours poses a well known hazard for young people according to Hephzibah's Executive Director, Mary Anne Brown. The Day Care Program offers a safe, enriching after school environment for the younger children. Students who are in fifth grade learn about community resources for after school activities: information that is crucial when they graduate from the program and enter middle school. These lessons lay the foundation for habits that help reduce crime and boost academic achievement -- keystones for well adjusted young people and a healthier community.Since 1974, Hephzibah has provided quality day care for children whose parents are working, going to school or completing career training. Today our nationally recognized, award winning Day Care Program offers a nurturing, enriching and dynamic daycare experience for all Oak Park children from Kindergarden through 5th grade and full time during the summer months. See our Day Care page for details.
If you would like to make a donation to support Day Care Tuition Relief for those who need it, please contact Molly Philosophos, Director of Development at 708.649.7158 or mphilosophos@hephzibahhome.org
