GWCF Supports 85 Family Child Care Providers
Most of Worcester’s child care services are offered by home-based caregivers known as family child care providers. COVID-19 has had a significant impact on these small businesses. Many of these providers, who open their homes and hearts to small groups of children, were forced to temporarily close in 2020 and, as a result, now face severe financial challenges. Last summer, GWCF leveraged $92,000, that attracted another $129,000 from the Commonwealth Children's Fund, to award grants to 85 family child care providers.
One grateful provider is Gina Hamilton who, after receiving the funds, wrote: “I cannot explain how much this means to me and how this gives me some room to breathe. Last night, for the first time since our mandated shut down, I slept without nightmarish dreams.”