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Lincoln YWCA will sell building, close child care

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By ERIN ANDERSEN / Lincoln Journal Star

Friday, Nov 21, 2008 - 02:49:05 pm CST

Like Grandma, the YWCA of 125 years ago was great.

But women and their roles have evolved — and so will Lincoln’s YWCA, said Julie Allen, executive director.

Allen announced Friday the YWCA will reorganize, fine-tune its focus, sell its historic building at 1432 N St and  eliminate services that are available elsewhere in Lincoln.

Story Photo
The Lincoln YWCA in their building at 1431 N St. This picture was taken August 28, 1927 by Geo. W. Bucklin.
Making the change

* To help families and staff affected by the changes, the YWCA has created a resource area in its Georgian Room.

* The YWCA compiled a list of day care openings and prices in various city ZIP code areas. And it alerted day cares it has experienced childcare workers available for hire.

* From 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, YWCA administrators will be available to parents and staff in need additional help.

Among the cuts: the YWCA’s aqua, fitness and childcare programs. All will end by Dec. 31. The cuts eliminate 13 full-time and 26 part-time jobs, and means 50 children — infants through age 5 — need to find a new day care.

Also, the 76-year-old YWCA building is on the market. Asking price? $1.595 million for the three-story, 36,000-square-foot building that includes a swimming pool on the second floor.

The YWCA plans to stay in the building until it is sold. It has not found a new site but will maintain a downtown presence, Allen said.

The YWCA has redefined its focus, concentrating on three divisions:

* Women’s Empowerment and Family Services Division, which includes Job Outfitters, classes for women of all ages, and child abuse prevention programs.

* Young Women and Youth Development Division, which includes its SMART science and math program for girls in fourth through sixth grades, survival skills for teens, a program to help foster girls transition to college, and leadership training for high school sophomores.

* Community Education, which maintains its World Center for Children and YWCA Dance Academy. It will expand to offer more events and programs designed to eliminate racism and empower women throughout the community, Allen said.

Although the board of directors began working on a reorganization plan in February, staff and families were shocked and surprised by Friday’s announcement.

Staff were notified when they came to work; day care families were given letters as they dropped their children off.

“Unfortunately, the on-going financial impact of operating the center is no longer sustainable,” Allen wrote in the letter.

Parent Jason Slaughter felt blindsided by the news.

 His son,  Tristan, almost 3, has been at the YWCA childcare center for more than one year.

“We were not expecting this,” Slaughter said.

“Sad to see a daycare in the downtown area go away,” said Slaughter, who works in the Haymarket, lives in the Near South  and frequently walks to the childcare center to pick up his son.

While staff and families were unaware of the plans, Allen said the YWCA’s primary funders — United Way, Woods Charitable Trust, Lincoln Community Foundation and Cooper Foundation  — were notified earlier this year and gave their support.

Deb Shoemaker, vice president of community outreach for the Lincoln Community Foundation, called selling the building a wise fiscal move.

“By going into a location that is more cost-effective, they will be able to utilize that money and put it into programs,” Shoemaker said.

Of the YWCA’s annual $1 million budget, $200,000 is spent just to keep the building operational. And that does not include repairs or renovations required to meet federal standards.

The elevators are original, “we have a recalcitrant boiler” and a new federal swimming pool safety requirement takes effect Dec. 19, Allen said.

The safety requirement — designed to prevent children from being sucked into pool drains — would have forced the YWCA to replace its drains at a cost of thousands of dollars.

“We want to be an agency that is here for women, not an agency that preserves this building,” Allen said.

Which is exactly what funders liked hearing.

“I like the fact they are refocusing on women, working to empower women and help young women become strong leaders for the future,” Shoemaker said. “I do think they are getting back to basics in what they need to provide for the community.”

Reach Erin Andersen at 473-7217 or eandersen@journalstar.com.


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West A Dad wrote on November 21, 2008 9:55 am:
" That's sad. My wife and my son swim there. Neat old building too. I feel bad for the staff losing jobs and parents losing quality daycare. "
Wondering wrote on November 21, 2008 10:08 am:
" It is amazing when the NU football team needs a million dollar "recruiting display wall" this city and state can find money crawling out of the woodwork. But when an institution as important as the YWCA cannot maintains services due to lack of funding you reliaze what really is important in this town. "
foxspit wrote on November 21, 2008 10:22 am:
" This is a tragedy. I hope the building doesn't get torn down, it looks like it's in great shape and it's so historic. "
Practically Single Mom wrote on November 21, 2008 10:24 am:
" I remember when I had two toddlers, and a husband who worked odd shifts - making him unavailable to be with us when I was home from work. We had no family nearer than 320 miles away. The once a month "Moms Night Out" program where they would watch my two while I got some time recharge, run errands, etc, was invaluable in helping me cope as a virtually single mom. It's a program that's needed, and one I'm sad won't be around for other moms (and dads) in similar straits. "
happy with decision wrote on November 21, 2008 10:25 am:
" Glad I didn't enroll my daughter there when the U day care closed. That stinks for those that did since they have to scramble and find another day care now "
LincolnDad wrote on November 21, 2008 10:26 am:
" It's sad that families will have to struggle to find new childcare and equally sad that many people will lose their jobs. But I have witnessed firsthand the decline in the quality of childcare there, and it didn't seem like anyone was really trying to make it better. Things do happen for a reason, and maybe this is a good thing it's happening now before things got any worse. When you have good staff members quitting right and left, that's a big signal that something isn't right. "
YWCA is great wrote on November 21, 2008 11:06 am:
" This is unfortunate. I think it will be a common theme of many great organizations in these next several months who will have to close because of the economy. I will add though that we shouldn't insinuate that the NU football team is more important than anyone else. Many of us in the community support the football team AND many other causes. There are hundreds of great causes in the community that need our support but not all of us can support every one. Its our right to choose. "
Dan wrote on November 21, 2008 11:12 am:
" That's sad my mom used to take me there when I was little "
Tonyo wrote on November 21, 2008 11:13 am:
" I totally agree that this is a sad thig to happen. I also agree that it is sad that the UNL can get anything they want simply by say they want it. and the people of this community are so behind them that the real people of this community are left out in the cold. SAD.
Somebody needs to open a daycare on a donation basis. Volunteers could help run it and it would help to lower these outragous rates we are all paying for daycares. I am willing to talk with anyone who is willing to help me get this project off the ground. I know a little about how the daycare business works and my wife is willing to go on this venture with me. I so want to help all those needy families out there without the resources to have daycare on a regular basis.

Please leave info if you would like to help.
God Bless. "
Swim wrote on November 21, 2008 11:37 am:
" That's where I first learned how to swim :-( "
dang. wrote on November 21, 2008 11:41 am:
" that worked out well for the ywca when they chose not to renew unl's child center lease because they wanted the revenue, now didn't it. "
children wrote on November 21, 2008 11:48 am:
" How unfortunate, YWCA has been to our city for so long. Parents will have difficulty finding affordable child care now that the city shifted the Parks and Recreation Learning center to non profit entities that cost twice as much. The YWCA provided so much more childcare. They helped women get a fresh start, helped w/ medical needs. YWCA you will be sorely missed. "
firedog wrote on November 21, 2008 11:51 am:
" Wondering: I find it amazing that any time a business undergoes tough times it is the fault of the NU football team. Are you really saying the city and state government paid for a recruiting display wall, whatever that is?

People choose their charities. It is a shame that the YWCA will close, but I hope they can resurface somewhere else. "
Sad Citizen wrote on November 21, 2008 12:19 pm:
" Isn't it incredible that we can afford a new arena, new parks, new athletic facilities and the Antelope Valley money pit, but we cannot afford to support beneficial programs like the YWCA, which has been providing education, shelter and assistance to our state's families for decades? Is this our city government's attitude toward women's programs in general? We can build new jails and prisons, but we can't find the dollars to aid in programs and organizations that are honestly designed to build good citizens? I guess we'd rather deal with the consequences than deal with the problems. This is a sad day for the Lincoln area and a shameful mark on our city's administration. Let's all chip in to move the State Fair, but fall short in helping something as worthwhile as the YWCA. And let's push a 300 million dollar arena down the throats of taxpayers, but turn a blind eye to groups that truly practice the Christian ethic of love and understanding. And let's all give lip service to building a "bigger, better Lincoln", while yet another child-care facility shuts down. God help us all. "
right to chose wrote on November 21, 2008 12:28 pm:
" It may be your right to chose what charity you give money to, but when it seems that we continue to spend money on the football team for things that they need just to win, it seems a little wrong. I think this town it too into their football and not so much things that would help the lower class. "The rich get richer and the poor get poorer" "
D wrote on November 21, 2008 12:32 pm:
" We're running out of affordable childcare, with Parks and Rec programs shut down and now the better nonprofits, which were supposed to carry the load for the city and University programs, can't stay afloat.

It's not fair to blame the University athletic department. They have their own separate funding and donations, and they keep money flowing into the state. But the city and the state really need to pay attention to our children much more than they currently are. "
Hey Sad Ctizen wrote on November 21, 2008 12:33 pm:
" The YWCA is not a city funded organization. How much money did you donate to the YWCA last year? If all of the people who complain about something like this happening would start speaking with their checkbooks instead of their computer maybe the YWCA would not be shutting it's doors. "
Community Values wrote on November 21, 2008 1:22 pm:
" When the YMCA needs a capitol program to build a new building or remodel an existing one, the community leaders fall all over themselves to organize and raise millions of dollars. People want to support upper and middle class suburban kids with soccer and swimming. However, ask those same people to support with YW, with its stated mission of elmininating racism and empowering women, and all you get is blank stares and empty pockets. The YW helps teen moms, kids who get no parental involvement or support, kids who have dropped out of school. It tries to encourage grade school girls in low income schools to be interested in science and math. None of this is resonating strongly enough with our community. Kids come into the YW computer lab at night because their homes are unpleasnt/unsafe places to be at night. Where will they go now? Who will care? "
Hey LincolnDad wrote on November 21, 2008 1:24 pm:
" I am sad that you had such a frustrating experience with the YWCA child care development center. I have sent my son there for nearly a year, and have seen very little turnover in the full time staff. In fact, every teacher that my son has had on a full time basis is still employed, and is WONDERFUL. I feel like the quality level of childcare at the YWCA is excellent, and for you to suggest otherwise based on turnover of employees is based on a misguided observation. The turnover rate of staff is not a reflection on the quality of childcare provided, it is a reflection of part-time employment of college students. College students have to shift their work experiences to fit their educational experiences. You can't expect business majors like one girl who just left to keep working in a child care center forever, it is a reflection of part-time college employment. I have been nothing less than pleased with my entire experience with the YWCA CDC and am crushed that the services will no longer be provided, but to suggest that there are not quality teachers there is just hurtful to the people who care so much about my child and who spend hours of their lives devoted to making him a better man when he grows up, one who will embody the values of the YWCA - to empower women and eliminate racism. Thank you YWCA, I will always value the service you have provided me. "
Andrea wrote on November 21, 2008 1:26 pm:
" Please, God, don't let it become a parking garage. "
Saddened YWCA parent wrote on November 21, 2008 1:33 pm:
" My daughter goes to this daycare and we are deeply saddened and frustrated by their choice to close the daycare. Not only will we be trying to locate a different daycare but will be racing against 100 different YWCA parents to find a spot for our children. With another baby on the way our stress is increased even more. And to not even tell the staff until this morning, I don't understand that! "
to Andrea wrote on November 21, 2008 1:41 pm:
" it needs to become a parking garage. parking is limited downtown "
Chava wrote on November 21, 2008 1:49 pm:
" I say, bail them out--at least this would have a more real impact on taxpayers. "
JB wrote on November 21, 2008 1:50 pm:
" No more parking lots. Lincoln loves to get rid of old historical buildings and replace them with parking lots. One of these days downtown will be one big parking lot. "
UNL wrote on November 21, 2008 1:58 pm:
" Before you start blaming UNL remember that the University Child Care Center use to be apart of the buildingg and YWCA ran them out of the building too quickly because they wanted to get started on taking over the UNL side of the building. Maybe it's just KARMA. Those at UCC had to go through the same thing, had to quickly find child care, it's just the way it goes sometime. "
Frustrated wrote on November 21, 2008 2:24 pm:
" This is a sad day for both the YW and City of Lincoln. It is frustrating that an organization that has been part of our city's history is on the verge of collapse. It is frustrating that the vital services that this organization provides and those that rely on them are in jeopardy. It is frustrating that this organization fell into ruin do to years of mismanagement. Is there anything left to do but dismantle and start over? Maybe the citizens of Lincoln will step up and donate like I have. I can only hope. "
agree with Lincoln dad 100 wrote on November 21, 2008 2:52 pm:
" I too used to take my child to the YWCA child care. The teachers at that time were positively wonderful! New management came in and we lost staff left and right. I would never say the teachers at the Y were or are bad. It has nothing to do with those teachers. I has to do with management...period. Very sad indeed. "
KARMA wrote on November 21, 2008 3:11 pm:
" Karma!?! It's karma that this is happening to parents again? Yes, I agree that YWCA shouldn't have pushed UCC out of the building just to turn around and sell it after the University has already made great progress (at a great financial cost I'm sure) on a new day care center. But what a previous commenter forgets is that lots of us that are now rushing to find new child care for our child also had to do that when UCC shut down on us. "
Downtown Childcare wrote on November 21, 2008 3:12 pm:
" The article had a comment that said seeing a daycare downtown going away is sad. I'll just take a moment to remind everyone there is another daycare downtown - Children's Choice - in the Federal Building. Rates are comparable, teachers are fantastic. My son has been going for well over a year and I absolutely love it. "
Colleen wrote on November 21, 2008 3:46 pm:
" This is not cool. As a mom who found out I couldn't get a promised spot at the YWCA (because I called them, not because they called me earlier this year) I can tell you that these 100 parents are out of luck if they want to find high quality center based child care someplace else. When I looked in August of this year for care, I was told by most centers that they had openings in June, of 2009, maybe. Some wouldn't even give a date and said they would take a name for a waiting list only. Child care in Lincoln is completely unacceptable--you need to reserve a spot before you consider having a child. It will get better when UNL finally opens their center, but it only adds 150 slots--not much when you consider 100 children will be looking for a place. With all the waiting lists out there, it seems strange that no one is opening a center to meet the demand which is clearly there. "
Dr. Robert J. Tobin wrote on November 21, 2008 3:53 pm:
" The YW is a a privately-funded or non-profit organization that has provided vitally-needed family services to the community. For this the YW deserves thanks. But now many young families will be hurt by this decision to close the daycare, a prospect which was not forecast to them when their daycare choices were made and will certainly result in desperate hand-wringing. For this the YW deserves criticism. The YW contends that this service is available elsewhere in the community. The fact is that quality, affordable daycare is a rare resource. This will result in many young parents having to leave the workforce just when their financial contribution to family income is more critical than ever. I wonder if the community should have to rely upon private or non-profit organizations to provide essential services for our most vulnerable families, if this is not more properly a local government responsibility (the reverse of Reagan-omics)? Yes, the cost would be borne by tax dollars, but would be spread from the most vulnerable and the long-term benefit to society in strengthening young families would be unquestionable. "
Re Downtown ChildCare wrote on November 21, 2008 4:19 pm:
" I would agree Now there are two major child care in the downtown area. Cedars and Children's Choice. That is it now. If you think of all the parents that need daycare that work in the downtown area it would be ideal to have more options. I like to be able to just walk to go pick up our child rather than have to spend 30 minutes in hare car going to the daycare and then 30 minutes in the car going back home. Now it just puts more strain on the active daycares out there now.

Don't forget the relationships the kids have already started forming. They will now be separated. It is tough on kids to start a new relationship again. "
swimmom wrote on November 21, 2008 4:42 pm:
" This is a sad day for our family. My kids all swim with the YWCA's swim team and we just learned that last night was our last practice. Our wonderful coaches were fired right after practice. There are other swim teams in Lincoln but none that a single mom of three kids can possibly afford. Very sad... "
Think Positive Do Positive wrote on November 21, 2008 6:00 pm:
" I can't believe all the negativity. Did you read the article? YWCA stands for depending on which circle you run with:
Young Women Committed to Action
Young Women's Christian Association.

Either way, the goals Ms. Allen laid out, fit with the mission and purpose of the YWCA.
* Women’s Empowerment and Family Services Division
* Young Women and Youth Development Division
* Community Education

The YWCA is about the empowerment of women. It is not about a building or about daycare. We should look at the positive, the money we put towards the YWCA will go towards action and results to help empower women.

Another positive is that the YWCA is giving notice. How many companies do you know that give notice. I think this is honorable.

Change is always hard and most people who fight it don't realize how great the change was for 5 - 10 years after reflecting back. I wish the YWCA a empowering 2009 and beyond. "
Jayne Draper wrote on November 21, 2008 9:19 pm:
" to:Think Positive Do Positive
So this has been in the works since Feb?! Why then were parents promised Suzuki Violin by Ms Allen in July, and patronized with 'what's all the fuss' on October 1st at a meeting called by the executive director to pacify parents following the resignations of several long-term teachers fed up with the new administration's treatment of staff. Parents were told point blank that the program was in great shape; we were looking for alternative childcare at that time due to the turmoil and were asked directly "what can we do to get you to stay?"
We are all for empowering women, but we do not trust the current administration at the YWCA to teach it in their newly reorganized YW programs with any more committment than what they demonstrated in allowing a high-quality nationally accredited child care program to fail.
Remember when quality childcare was actually considered a women's issue!! "
glad at the news wrote on November 21, 2008 9:55 pm:
" In response to Hey Lincoln Dad - many of the staff turnovers were not college students. Many of them were full time staff members working there as their main job. Many of the college students left not because of their inability to keep hours there and go to school, but because of the new management. The second staff members stop caring about their job is when they start quitting, and when that happens the quality of childcare goes down. As someone who has been involved with the YWCA CDC, many knew that this was a long time coming ever since the new management started. It is a shame that parents, children, and staff members were given absolutely no warning. It indicates how the management treats those around them. "
observer wrote on November 21, 2008 11:16 pm:
" It is definately a sad time for families, staff and the community to lose affordable quality childcare that the YWCA Child Development Center offers. While it is true that there was recently some staff turnover, the new teachers that have joined the Center are educated, experienced and have brought a renewed sense of committment to the Center. Management has been supportive of the teachers and the program. Sometimes change is necessary but difficult to accept and it is easier to blame others, complain and spread rumors than it is to rise to the occassion and take the opportunity for self improvement and learn from the change.The teachers who have remained at the Center and the teachers who have recently joined the YWCA family are a quality group of individuals who truly care about children and their families. Each and every one of the teachers would be a wonderful addition to any childcare program. We will miss the YWCA Child Development Center and wish all of the hardworking and dedicated staff the best! "
Midwest Girl wrote on November 21, 2008 11:37 pm:
" The article did not say that the YWCA was going away, just selling the building and ending the child care program. This is a beautiful building, but it is expensive to maintain and no longer fits the needs of programs or most of the patrons.

For years I have thought that the organization would better serve the community (and employees) if it were in a location that is more accessible (yes, that includes better parking).Not to mention the savings on maintenance and utilities.

I am sure it was a difficult choice for the board of directors, but I believe that they are making a good decision, and one that will benefit the organization and the community. "
frustrated parent wrote on November 22, 2008 12:13 am:
" I am tired of people putting their own slant on a situation, sharing only part of the information or going off on a tangent when they don't have all of the facts. I was at the parent meeting in October and we were never told that the Center was in "great shape". Actually, there was never any discussion about the financial situation of the program. The meeting was made available to parents as a forum to discuss Center issues. The meeting was also made available for one age group of children only as that was the only place in the Center where there were issues. It was a little disconcerting to have 4 teachers leave, but, from what I have observed, the changes have been positive. The children appear to be more calm and the teachers are taking the time to teach life skill lessons like taking turns, sharing and following directions in an attempt to help better prepare the children for the next step in their development. I am also seeing more educational instruction and my child is amazing me on a weekly basis with the things that are being learned at the YWCA! I commend administration for making positive changes in the Center and we are saddened that our child will not continue to reap the benefits of the awesome teachers. The teachers currently at the YWCA project themselves in a professional manner and definately care about the children. It's great to pick up my child and receive meaningful artwork and information about what the children did during the day instead of overhearing personal situations of staff. Thank you teachers for your professionalism and commitment to the children. December 31 will be a sad day for sure! "
Shannon Moon wrote on November 22, 2008 7:17 am:
" I am sorry that the YWCA is closing. We started out at the UCC and when the YWCA took over we continued to stay there and were happy with the service that they provided for our daughter. We were sad this summer when we had to relocate and move to another city because of the friends and teachers that she would leave behind. Some she had known since she was three months old. The board has been notorious for dropping issues on parents but this is just too much. I just hope the families affected by this blindsided action will be able to find quality childcare. We plan on coming back during Christmas Break to say goodbye. "
db1 wrote on November 22, 2008 8:32 am:
" I don't see how anyone was blindsided since I don't live in Lincoln but have heard about this coming for the past couple years from staff and/or parents. I'm a little shocked that it hadn't already happened. "
Sherry Martin wrote on November 22, 2008 11:25 am:
" Heartbreaking. "
Staff Member wrote on November 22, 2008 3:58 pm:
" I've worked there for the last couple of years and have spent many hours helping to build it up to what it has become. It was a sad past couple of months to have to watch the center come tumbling down right in front of my eyes under the new management. In a matter of a month and one week 7 staff members left their jobs and we lost around 10 families. Some of our most devoted families walked out our door with a negative attitude about us. As a staff member it was difficult to watch the management sit there and allow these families to leave on such bad terms and as a staff member know that I couldnt do anything to stop them. Under the new management our name has been tarnished. I love the YWCA childcare with all my heart and to watch something like this happen was devastating. I am saddened for the families that were lied to so many times, and those who have to scramble to find new childcare in such a short amount of time. Quality child care is so hard to find these days and many families relied on us because of our location in the downtown area. I am very sad to have to say goodbye to the YWCA and all its programs and hope the best for everyone affected by its closing. "
JAM wrote on November 22, 2008 5:15 pm:
" Our daughter started daycare May 2006 at UCC and left the YWCA Oct 8, 2008. We have experience with short notice closure and it is so stressful, not easy and in this case less than "honorable" on the parts of Julie Allen and the Board of Directors considering that closure or the potential for closure was in the works since Feb 2008.
I was at the July and Oct parents meeting and we were indeed painted a hopeful picture by Ms. Allen and the co-directors of the center's future. In July, we were told new grant money from the United Way would be used to develop extra programs that interested kids would be eligible to enroll in. In fact the daycare would have a new name, something with "world" in it, to reflect the experiences and influences that our kids share and would learn.
And while the Oct meeting did not delve into the center's finances, Ms. Allen and the co-directors ensured us that the program was indeed in fine shape in retaining and obtaining qualified teachers and in their ability to maintiain the current level of quality service.
Our daughter was 2.5 yrs old when we left the YWCA. She could count well past 21(admittedly, she would skip some numbers), recite the alphabet, count in spanish, showed emapthy towards others, could sing songs, recount events during the day, did wonderful art projects, recognized numbers, letters, shapes colors, she knew how to sign colors, and even knew how to sign her name. I distinctly remember the day she told me to "wait your turn, mommy" after I apparently jumped ahead of her while waiting in line at a playgorund slide. I'm listing these accomplishments Not to brag but to remind those that seem to imply that life skills and educational instruction occured after the positive changes i.e following the departure of certain teachers. The teachers who resigned were indeed professional, loved their work and definately cared for all of our children. I would expect, and demand, no less from the teachers who were left behind.
Ava loved her teachers and her friends. It was a hard, hard decision to leave but we left because we did not trust what we heard from Julie Allen and the co-directors.
We wish all of the teachers good luck in finding new jobs in what we hope will be a new daycare center. Child care is too important to let good, committed teachers, such as the previous and current teachers at the YWCA, leave the profession. But that is just my slant on the situation. What else would one expect? "
supportive wrote on November 22, 2008 5:25 pm:
" To Staff member...how were families lied to? It is indeed unfortunate that staff left, but is it a possibility that the YWCA Child Development Center was not the best fit for them in the first place. "New management" can be uncomfortable anytime and anyplace. While perhaps style and focus were different than what staff was use to, I can't imagine that they had anything but the best interest in the Center in mind the whole time. Sometimes not everyone knows the entire story and people make assumptions based on limited information. Perhaps we should all stop judging the past and focus on what to do for families and how, as a community, we can support a new and improved YWCA! "
Jennifer Auman former YW CDC Director wrote on November 22, 2008 7:05 pm:
" I am so sad to hear that the place that I love & spent so much time building up into something great is closing. The parallel between the current situation and UCC closing has not gone unnoticed. But I have to say, how much more notice could we truly ask for? The financial situation of the YWCA Lincoln has been tentative for MUCH MUCH longer than the last 6 months since I resigned as the Child Development Director. When UCC was given notice that their lease would not be renewed, it was because we (the administration) were playing a "long shot" that expansion of a successful program would help the YW's financial situation for the better. Unfortunately, it didn't work. Yes, it's awful that the Board had to come to the decision it did, I know that it was not without much pain. It, however, was not unexpected to anyone who truly knew the situation. The YW has been trying for a long time to preserve the programs they offer. Expansion, spending money to make money, is not a new concept, just a gamble. But when something is worth it, you take the gamble & pray you don't lose. YW parents are faced with the exact same situation as UCC parents did way back then. How much notice is too little? The decision was made, the notice was given. I do NOT believe that this was a decision the board made back in February. I've been part of those meetings, and I know that although it was always an option, it was a last possible resort. I am just so sad for the families and staff of the YWCA CDC and the YW Lincoln that I truly care about.

There is quality childcare in Lincoln. The holiday season is not usually a big time for enrollment, & many centers will be glad to give you a tour. I urge all of you, though-- BE DISCRIMINATING. Quality childcare is not all about location & tuition. Sometimes you have to go a little further to be someplace safe, nurturing & educational. My current center is still new & we have openings at each age level. It would be a privilege to help take care of your family again if you needed me. Let me know if I can help. I've left brochures with the CDC Directors. Take care of my babies. :) "
parent wrote on November 22, 2008 7:24 pm:
" I am extremely sadded by the news that the YWCA Child Development will be closing. We have had nothing but positive experiences with the YWCA. Everyday we feel comfortable leaving our child, confident in the fact that,within the walls of the building, educational activities and creative experiences coupled with caring teachers is what is happening. There may have been some unhappy parents and teachers in the past, but we were not effected by those issues and childcare continued without incident for us. I am sorry that familes and teachers were not happy and that issues for some could not be resolved. However, I think that it speaks volumnes for the Center as a whole that not everyone was caught up in the issues and the children were spared adult displeasure.We are heartbroken that we are in a position to search for new childcare but we are realistic to know that a business cannot continue if financially they are losing ground. I don't know if it would have mattered, but raising rates may have helped the situation;their rates are quite reasonable and we would have been willing to pay more as we feel we are (and were) getting much more than childcare! Good luck to everyone at the YWCA and we look forward to seeing how you re-invent yourself. "
citizenof lincoln wrote on November 22, 2008 7:57 pm:
" While I realize that the closing of the YWCA Child Development Center has negative impacts on families and staff, I think we need to keep in mind that this seems to be happening in an attempt to preserve the YWCA as a whole so they can continue to provide much needed services in the Lincoln community. The YWCA definately provides quality and affordable childcare but obviously it isn't reaching the number of families and children that it needs to in order to keep going financially. Maybe, just maybe, the YWCA needs to focus efforts and resources on other programs. I don't know, maybe we will see that childcare will be a part of the YWCAs' new future, but I think that they need to make decisions so they can keep going. If expanding their childcare proved to be financially unsuccessful, that tells me that they have been trying to keep going, but it was too much to overcome. I commend the Board for making a difficult decision on behalf of the YWCA as a whole. I commend Julie Allen for taking a lead and guiding the YWCA to a newer and better future. I also commend all of the YWCA Child Development staff for their dedication and committment to families and children. I hope that they all take this unfortunate situation as a challenge and move in a positive direction. I also hope that the remainder of the time that the YWCA Child Development Center is open, families and staff are able to be positive for the sake of the children. Thank you YWCA "
homeraway wrote on November 22, 2008 11:50 pm:
" A gamble...the administration who "gambled", not only took a chance that their "plan" MIGHT work, but were gambling with the future of children, families, staff and the YWCA. I would not consider the gamble a very responsible move, considering that now, others are paying the price. Where was the leadership and why were individuals allowed to gamble with the lives and futures of others? I hope those who "gambled" (and lost) are not in positions to toy with the futures of others any longer! "
To JAM wrote on November 23, 2008 10:39 am:
" JAM, Thank you. As one of the staff members who quit, I felt that Frustrated Parent implied that the job that I did was inadequate because after I left, the childcare apparently improved. A parent's point of view means a lot more than my own "slanted bias." I know that the teachers who left loved the children they worked with and provided quality childcare. Frustrated Parent - you also say that you are tired of other people putting a slant on what they say, but doesn't yours too have a slant? I do have one question for you. Perhaps this change in your child has less to do with the teachers and more to do with the age of your child. As 18 month olds start in the toddler rooms, they are not going to pick up as many things as the older children in the room, some who are almost 3 years old. Your child may have really started to develop around the time of all these changes. You can't assume that all of your child's development is a direct result of the change in teachers. "
Elizabeth Eck--Staff Member wrote on November 23, 2008 11:50 am:
" As a longtime staff member, it has been difficult for me to see so much turmoil in the center over the past several months. The closure of the CDC saddens me greatly, not because I have to look for a new job, but because I will no longer wake up excited to spend all day with my group of seven one year olds that I have been with since they were each about 8 weeks old. The bonds I have made with the children and families in my class as well as the lasting friendships I have made with my co-workers blossomed in the past year, and I will sorely miss the fun days we experienced together, whether it was traversing the walkways of city campus, exploring at the Children's Museum, watching the babies learn and develop, or holding dance parties in our room.

In response to the comment that the quality of childcare has gone down, my class consistently completes art projects, undergoes developmental evaluations, explores the community, and is exposed to a variety of music and literature. And these children are only a year old! In addition to that, there has been virtually no staff turnover in my classroom for the past year, with the exception being one part-time staff member (a college student) who left to pursue an internship in her field of study. The class is still important to her, so she occasionally stops by to visit. So we are very much invested in developing their minds, NOT just playing.

This is a sad, stressful, and busy time for all of us, but in light of the upcoming holiday season, let’s not focus on the negatives, but instead put our energy into looking at the bright side of things, even if it seems like there isn’t much to be cheerful about. I pray that each family will find the right care for their child(ren), that transitions to new centers will go well, and that each staff member will be successful in finding new places of employment. I may not be happy with the board of directors for making the decision to close the CDC, but I am forever thankful to the YWCA for all it has given to me over the past four years. "
lincoln mom wrote on November 23, 2008 2:09 pm:
" To teacher Elizabeth...your comments are wonderful. The children and their families are very fortunate to have you in their lives. It is nice to hear about the committment and nuturing nature of a teacher, first hand. Although this situation must be very difficult for you, the attitude that comes through in your entry is awesome...this is a direct reflection of your daily attitude with the children.Thank you for all that you have done with and for the families and the children you have worked with. The YWCA has definately benefited from your involvement! Whatever you choose to do in the future, hopefully it will include working with children as it apears as though you are have been involved in childcare for all the right reasons! THANK YOU "
Jennifer Auman wrote on November 23, 2008 4:38 pm:
" Miss Liz, you are wonderful! I thank God everyday for you, Jamie, Laura, Casey, Alisha, Myrtle-- and every inspiring, dedicated, professional, loving teacher that worked with me! I'm so sorry. The YW families are blessed for having each of you as part of their lives. "
Jamie Klein--Staff wrote on November 23, 2008 4:47 pm:
" I never thought I would ever look forward to going to work each and every day, as I have at the YWCA CDC. I never have viewed this as a job, it is a part of my life. I wake up in the morning and think about the smiling faces that await me. The children that I have worked with for the past 2 years have changed my life and forever hold a place in my heart. The people that I have worked with have become my friends and will impact my life forever.
The experiences that I have gained at the YWCA CDC will stay with me always. Through those experiences I have grown and they have had a great impact on my future as an educator. Though I am very saddened to see such a great thing in my life and others lives coming to end, I think about the next chapter that it will open. This is my opportunity to learn and mature in another environment where I will endure more changes and challenges because of the great minds I am sure to meet.
The YWCA has been a wonderful place for children and families to grow and will be truly missed. I wish the families of the CDC great luck in finding their children a great childcare, one much like the YWCA. "
lincoln mom wrote on November 23, 2008 8:03 pm:
" Teachers such as Elizabeth and Jamie are what has made theYWCA Child Development Center the wonderful place that is has been and is. I notice that they are not putting blame on the Board or administration. Although they appear to be just as saddened at the news as the rest of us are, they are facing this in a mature, realistic and professional manner. This is an example of how they have worked together with families and for the children. They have impacted the lives of those they have come in contact with through the YWCA and will continue to positively impact the lives of anyone they come into contact with in the future. They are truly the epitome of wonderful individuals and talented educators. Good luck to the two of you and to the other great teachers at the YWCA! "
Jennifer Auman wrote on November 24, 2008 6:13 am:
" Seems as if that "gamble" paid off after all. Thanks, ladies for reminding the rest of Lincoln what is really important-- the children & the impact that you've made on their lives. "
Former employee wrote on November 24, 2008 8:06 pm:
" It is quite humerous to read- the YWCA is closing because Julie Allen, Monica Dey, and Denise Wooten do not know how to run a buisness or treat people with respect. It wasn't that teachers couldn't handle the change it was the changes that were implemeneted. Funny when I left my lead teacher position-my class was cut in half.There was more than 4 teachers that quit, that was only in one week.When you have college educated adults leaving their positions.With atleast thirty years experience between them Houston, we have a problem!! "
For the best wrote on December 7, 2008 4:56 pm:
" My child was in the Ladybug age group. Teachers were leaving right and left. It got to the point where we didn't even know the names of her teachers anymore. Their "art projects" consisted of coloring a photocopied page out of a coloring book. The TV and VCR were wheeled into the room on more than one occasion. We witnessed teachers smoking on the playground. Dozens of kids were herded into the gym to play for hours while three teachers stood around waiting for the clock to run out. When we noticed that our child was learning nothing new and was actually forgetting numbers and words to songs, we knew we had to get out. There were good teachers in the other rooms. We know the Bumblebees and Honeybees were having a different experience than the Ladybugs, and it was so unfair to the three year olds. Our child misses her friends to this day, but the only teachers she remembers from the Y are the ones who were fired or quit. "

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