HAECP Announces Renovation Funding for Kiddie Cove Family Child Care Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (6/14/26) 

Contact: Holdrege Area Early Childhood Partnership (HAECP)

Holdrege, Nebraska

HAECP Announces Renovation Funding for Kiddie Cove Family Child Care Center

William and Ruth Scott Foundation and Sherwood Foundation invest in Holdrege’s child care future

HOLDREGE, Neb. — The Holdrege Area Early Childhood Partnership (HAECP) is proud to announce the presentation of renovation funds to the Phelps County Ag Society and Kiddie Cove Family Child Care Center, made possible through the generous investment of the William and Ruth Scott Foundation and the Sherwood Foundation. These funds helped to bring a Holdrege building up to code and ensure it serves as a quality, long-standing child care center for families across Phelps County.

The William and Ruth Scott Foundation and the Sherwood Foundation have demonstrated a deep and meaningful commitment to rural communities like Holdrege. Their belief that every family deserves access to quality child care — and that child care is essential to a thriving local economy — made this project possible from the ground up. HAECP is incredibly grateful for the relationships built with both foundations and for the trust they have placed in this community.

Additional thanks goes to Communities for Kids, whose guidance helped establish these critical funding connections and provided support throughout every phase of the project.

From Opportunity to Action

When Central Community College announced its move to downtown Holdrege, community members connected to HAECP quickly recognized an opportunity. With the right renovations, the vacated building could become a permanent home for child care — something Phelps County needs. After touring the building and completing initial inspections, a clear vision emerged.

The next step was finding the right provider. Kendra, who had expressed interest in transitioning from her in-home child care to operating a full center, stepped forward and planning began. Construction plans were developed and reviewed professionally to ensure the building would serve as a reliable, long-term child care space. Local contractor Melroy Construction delivered outstanding work to make that vision a reality.

A Direct Investment in Phelps County Families

This project holds special significance because it directly addresses the child care gap that families and employers across Phelps County continue to face. By investing in the renovation of this building, the William and Ruth Scott Foundation and the Sherwood Foundation are doing more than funding construction — they are strengthening opportunities for children, supporting working families, and helping Holdrege continue to grow and thrive.

About HAECP

The Holdrege Area Early Childhood Partnership (HAECP) works to strengthen early childhood care in the Holdrege area through partnerships that support child care providers, families, and local businesses. HAECP believes that strong child care is the foundation of a strong community.