SIDNEY — Wilma Valentine Childcare opened in 1992 to serve children with special needs who require a greater level of personal, individualized care. Match Day gifts will be used for field trip transportation and a secure access door.
The organization welcomes children with issues such as autism, Down syndrome, seizure disorders, spina bifida, mental health issues and behavioral challenges. Children with special needs are served with their peers so they can learn and grow alongside each other. The organization is able to care for all of the children’s individual needs.
“Many kids who come to us for childcare need the same experiences other kids have. Going on field trips and to the pool give all of our children the opportunity to spend time in the community with friends,” said Nancy Stiefel, executive director. “It takes a lot of effort and staffing to coordinate a trip, but they are so worthwhile. Transportation is a costly, important factor that Match Day gifts will support.”
“We will also use gifts to add a secure keycard access to another door available to our childcare staff and parents. We hope people will double their donations by giving on our behalf on Match Day.”
Located at 1200 S. Children’s Home Road, Sidney, the organization serves children from throughout Shelby County. Nearly 92 percent of their costs are for skilled staffing to ensure children receive adequate care, with a very small staff to child ratio, depending upon a child’s care needs.
“The greatest compliment we have received is that ‘We don’t really think you serve children with special needs because I don’t see them,’” said Stiefel. “We want all kids to reach their potential and know that they belong so that their families feel they can work or continue with their day while their child is at WVC.”
To support Wilma Valentine Childcare on Match Day, gifts must be made payable to the Community Foundation of Shelby County with: Match/WVC noted on the memo or in an accompanying note or form. Details and forms are available at the Community Foundation website at www.commfoun.com and at Wilma Valentine Childcare. Gifts must be received on or before Nov. 27 to be eligible for up to $5,000 in matching money.