The Gundersen Region of Bellin and Gundersen Health System and VARC, Inc. are launching a partnership to help improve childcare access in our community and invest in kids and families.
VARC recently purchased and began operating Preschool Childcare Center in La Crosse. Gundersen will contribute program support operating dollars to the childcare center for at least three years. Approximately 30 spots at the center will be dedicated to children of Gundersen staff, with priority to families currently on the Gundersen Child Care Center waiting list.
The Gundersen Child Care Center in La Crosse will continue to care for kids and families as it has for years and help kids learn and grow so they are successful later in life.
Leaders innovating for community health and well-being
“We are a local leader in clinical care quality and patient experience, but we know care outside traditional medicine – especially with community partners – contributes more directly to people’s long-term health and well-being,” shares Heather Schimmers, RN, Gundersen Region president for Bellin and Gundersen Health System. “This innovative partnership invests in kids and families, and it is one part of providing stability for the workforce. Supporting workforce needs ultimately helps Gundersen better live our mission of great care and experience for patients, families and our community.”
“VARC's rich history is a testament to our commitment to innovation, continually providing groundbreaking solutions that have made a lasting impact across both private and public sectors,” says Elizabeth Filter, VARC, Inc. president and CEO. “Innovation thrives in collaboration, and by forming partnerships with organizations like Gundersen to bridge gaps in childcare accessibility, we not only provide a much-needed resource in our area, but we also continue to serve children and families with and without disabilities, while cultivating a stronger, more inclusive community.”
Childcare access has broad workforce, economic impacts
Childcare access impacts everyone, whether someone has kids or not. Investing in childcare has positive downstream impacts on development and learning for kids’ future success. Lack of childcare intensifies workforce and economic challenges at a time when organizations and communities cannot afford to lose either people or jobs due to extreme market competition.
“As the leading childcare resource and referral organization in the area, The Parenting Place has witnessed the negative impact of the national childcare crisis on employers and working parents,” says Jodi Widuch, executive director of The Parenting Place. “It is common for us to hear from parents that they can’t accept a new job because they can’t find childcare. The partnership between Gundersen and VARC is a shining example of how creativity and local collaboration results in powerful, strategic childcare solutions.”
Gundersen has supported kids, families and local workforce needs for many years. Gundersen has provided support for other childcare centers in the region, including Sunflower Daycare Center in Decorah, Iowa. This support includes building funds, furniture, and computers.
VARC expanded its services in 2017 to include children with disabilities, offering after-school and summer programs for youth ages three to 18. The services provide structured learning experiences and support to access community resources. Children with more complex needs in a daycare setting frequently face the risk of being excluded or being asked to leave. Opening an inclusive daycare will make substantial strides for local childcare.
VARC and Gundersen recognize that providing a quality childcare center is pivotal for economic stability. It enables parents to maintain their employment and productivity, preventing workforce disruptions due to childcare challenges. It also fosters early childhood development, nurturing the future workforce, and reducing long-term economic disparities, contributing to the overall economic health and vitality of our community.
About Bellin and Gundersen Health System
Formed in December 2022, Bellin and Gundersen Health System is a not-for-profit, patient-centered, community-focused healthcare network with headquarters in Green Bay and La Crosse, Wisconsin. Bellin and Gundersen Health System has nearly 15,000 employees, including more than 1,400 clinicians, in 11 hospitals and more than 100 clinic locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Upper Michigan, and Iowa. With community partners, Bellin and Gundersen Health System strives to lead (with love) local, regional and national healthcare transformation to inspire people’s best lives at every stage. Learn more at bellin.org and gundersenhealth.org.
About VARC, Inc.
Founded in 1975 by a small group of parents and educators in Viroqua, WI, VARC is a not-for-profit organization that has since expanded its mission to provide a comprehensive array of services for individuals with varying abilities. These services encompass licensed childcare, employment support, residential programs, transportation assistance, recovery-informed services, child and youth programs, and customized services. Currently, VARC serves over 850 individuals with disabilities across Wisconsin, operating from 14 locations. Our reach extends to communities in Vernon, Richland, Sauk, Juneau, Columbia, Adams, Monroe, and La Crosse County, as well as neighboring counties. At VARC, we are dedicated to empowering individuals with varying abilities by promoting active community participation, fostering independence, and providing diverse, meaningful experiences, all centered around the core value of individual choice. Learn more at varcinc.com.
About The Parenting Place
The Parenting Place is a non-profit organization based in La Crosse that provides a wide variety of services to support and empower adults who care for children. As a combined Family Resource Center and Child Care Resource and Referral agency, The Parenting Place has a dedicated interest in finding innovative solutions to the childcare crisis that mutually benefit the children, families, businesses, communities and existing childcare programs that we serve so that all children thrive. Learn more at theparentingplace.net.