Community Foundation announces programs aimed at preschool access, opioid crisis

One announcement introduced the Thrive by Five Endowment Campaign to support the ability of kids to attend high-quality preschools. The goal of the fund is $1 million, which would generate $42,500 a year in interest income to add to the $150,000-plus the organization already spends on early childhood education initiatives.

Jessika Hane from Oliver Winery and Jessica Merkel of Bunger and Robertson are heading up the fundraising effort. They both said they were eager to help because of their own children — five, between the two of them — who have previously or are currently benefiting from high-quality day care and preschool programs in Monroe County.

“As working moms, we depend on these programs,” Merkel said. “If child care is so necessary for us, I can only think of how critical it is for families struggling to make ends meet.”

She said affordable and reliable child care can determine whether a parent can keep a job or pay for essentials such as rent, food and medicine.

“It is invaluable to have quality, affordable child care in our community,” she said. “It not only improves the lives of our children, but their entire family as well.”