Cape Girardeau… United Way of Southeast Missouri’s United for Childcare Resource
Center is strengthening its support for Southeast Missouri families and childcare providers
through a renewed AmeriCorps Operational Grant and new donations from local corporate
partners. The resources will help the center connect families with reliable childcare,
strengthen the childcare provider network, and address barriers that can keep parents
from entering or remaining in the workforce.
The United for Childcare Resource Center was one of 11 nonprofit programs in Missouri
selected to receive an AmeriCorps Operational Grant. AmeriCorps is the federal agency for
national service and volunteerism, supporting service opportunities that address local
needs and strengthen communities. The grant requires a match from UWSEMO and can
deliver up to $250,000 in support over two years.
The renewed funding will support the center’s work helping families navigate childcare
subsidies, find reliable placements, and connect to wraparound services. The center also
works with childcare providers and prospective providers to help address challenges to
starting or sustaining childcare businesses.
“Childcare isn’t just a family issue; it’s a workforce issue. When a parent can’t find reliable
childcare, it can mean turning down a job, missing work or leaving the workforce
altogether. This support gives us the ability to work directly with families and childcare
providers to remove those barriers and create solutions that strengthen our entire
community,” said Matt Ellison, United for Childcare Program Director at United Way of
Southeast Missouri.
In addition to the renewed AmeriCorps funding, the United for Childcare Resource Center
is receiving support from local corporate partners. Procter & Gamble, United Way of
Southeast Missouri’s largest corporate investor and the host of the organization’s largest
workplace campaign, recently donated more than 1,000 cases of diapers to support local
families. Home State Health donated $1,500 to purchase infant car seats. The diapers and
car seats will be distributed through United Way of Southeast Missouri’s network of
funded partners and through the United for Childcare Resource Center to families who
meet program criteria.
Together, these investments help remove practical barriers for families while
strengthening the childcare resources available throughout Southeast Missouri. Support
from community members makes this work possible. A donation to United Way of
Southeast Missouri helps fund programs like the United for Childcare Resource Center and
other local initiatives that support individuals and families as they work to overcome barriers, build stability, and thrive. To learn more or make a donation, visit
unitedwayofsemo.org/donate.