Create Healthy, the Fredericksburg-based foundation investing in the health and wellness of the Hill Country, donated $500,000 to the Little Hearts Child Development Center Capital Campaign to build a new early childhood care center for children up to three years old.

“Access to high quality childcare is so important for the Hill Country’s growing communities,” said Jayne Pope, RN, CEO, Create Healthy. “Our children need safe spaces to grow and learn and great childcare strengthens our workforce and provides a fantastic service for our young families.”

Once completed, Little Hearts will be able to care for 74 children. The goal is to prioritize care for young children from families with low incomes and those who have experienced trauma.

The childcare facility will be staffed by licensed and trauma-informed caregivers. The new childcare center will be on the grounds of the Hill Country Community Needs Council.

“Create Healthy’s generous gift will help us realize our vision for a great space where we can provide high quality childcare for our community,” said Laurie Jenschke, president, Little Hearts board of directors. “We depend on the generosity of individuals and organizations to support our mission, and Create Healthy’s support will encourage and inspire more in our community to recognize the value of excellent childcare services.”

The Create Healthy board of directors recently approved funding priorities for 2024, based on significant input and direction from community leaders: childcare, mental health, health education and healthy living with a specific focus on childhood obesity.

Create Healthy will issue requests for funding proposals in these areas next year.

ABOUT

Create Healthy is led by Jayne Pope, and the foundation is overseen by a volunteer board of directors. Learn more at CreateHealthy.org.