After 13 years, the Yolo Crisis Nursery is slated to close on June 30 because the lead agency, EMQ FamiliesFirst, will no longer fund this precious resource. Our community was only recently made aware of this decision at the end of March.

The Friends of the Yolo Crisis Nursery have no plans to let the doors close, however, and are working hard with local leaders to find a new host agency and develop a long-term sustainable plan. With your help, we are confident both can be achieved.

Many have asked how they can help and we are grateful for the encouragement. The difference is only a mouse-click away.

Please contact the following local leaders to express your support:

* State Sen. Lois Wolk: [email protected]
* Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada: [email protected]
* Yolo County Supervisors: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected]

Our community has been a vital partner with the nursery and its value is well-known. Here are a few reminders:

* YCN serves our most vulnerable children, from birth through age 5. Our clients are not easily placed in other caregiving settings because their needs are too intense to be adequately served elsewhere.
* YCN is like an “emergency room” for children. Family crisis cannot be planned. Examples include sudden homelessness, domestic violence, job loss, postpartum depression and parental medical emergencies.
* YCN not only prevents child abuse and neglect, it avoids costlier interventions. Without the nursery, parents report they either would have left the child in unsafe circumstances or called Child Protective Services.
* YCN is a lifeline, not a luxury. Successful respite care incorporates crisis resolution services, including referrals to other community resources.
Local control of a new agency will allow operations to be less expensive and more efficient. A new plan deserves a chance.
YCN serves families in Yolo County. Closure impacts West Sacramento, Woodland, Winters, Esparto, Davis and unincorporated areas. Our entire Yolo County community is at risk.

Finally, let us know you care by contacting Heidy Kellison, president of the Friends of the Yolo Crisis Nursery, at [email protected] or call 530-386-2647. You can also find us on Facebook at Friends of the Yolo Crisis Nursery. We hope you’ll “like” us.
For 13 years, the nursery has been there for us; now it’s time for us to be there for the nursery. Time is of the essence, so please don’t hesitate. Contact your leaders today!

— Becky Heard is past president of Friends of the Yolo Crisis Nursery.

Comments

comments