For over 10 years, community leaders and early childcare advocates have been trying to address the shortage of and substandard conditions of a number of local early childhood centers. A needs assessment by the Highland Park/Highwood United Way found insufficient care options for infants, as well as before and after school daycare; inadequate parent education and counseling services; and in many cases, services delivered in deteriorating, cramped conditions.
In 2001, the non-profit Community Family Center (CFC) was created. With a volunteer board of directors that includes professional child care and family service providers, school administrators and community leaders, its goal is to house under one roof five established child care and family service agencies that currently serve 3800 Highland Park/Highwood community members. Those agencies are: Highland Park Community Nursery and Day Care Center; Tri-Con Child Care Center; Highland Park/Highwood Home Child Care Association; Family Service: Prevention, Education & Counseling NFP; and Family Network. Currently, three of the agencies are housed in aging basements. The benefits of being together in one building are clear: improved physical conditions, wonderful program synergies and cost efficiencies in administration.
The work of these organizations has been recognized by North Shore School District 112 and High School District 113 as having a direct impact on overall educational performance and as essential to preparing children to succeed in school. They also provide critically needed skilled support and counseling to families and individuals. The results are happier and healthier home environments for our community's children and families, a benefit to the community overall.
Two years ago, the City of Highland Park offered the Karger Center building to the CFC for a nominal rent. The location is well-situated on public transit lines near the North Shore Health Center and Sunset Park. The one catch is that the CFC needs to raise funds to expand and totally renovate the building.
While a $900,000 grant was awarded by the State of Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, a $100,000 Brownfield environmental remediation grant was obtained from Lake County and a $75,000 pledge received from Moraine Township, approximately $9 million are still needed for construction and the CFC is running out of time. After two lease extensions, it is imperative that the CFC make some serious private fundraising progress this year.
A Steering Committee has been hard at work trying to raise the necessary funds for this vitally important addition to our community and its children. For more information, go to www.communityfamilycenter.org or contact Amy Zisook, Development Director at 847-433-5846. Tours of the participating agencies can be arranged.
The mission of the CFC and its agencies is one we all believe in. This is the year to make it a reality.
