Grace Lutheran Church has always been an active part of the community here in Lancaster, sharing our facility with the neighborhood through afterschool programs, and Ms. Fissel’s Lutheran Preschool in the 80’s and 90’s. But with the opening of LutherCare for Kids Child Care and Learning Center in August of 2000 a new outreach into the community was born. The need for affordable, quality childcare is a crucial necessity for a large number of working families. Enabling Grace Church to be an active, nurturing place within the community more hours of the week is a refreshing and invigorating part of our mission. In the Fall of 2019, LutherCare notified us that they were winding down their management of our facility and we began a search for another partner. By January 2020, we had formed a collaboration with CAP to renew this ministry!
Stroll down the halls of the second floor of our Education Building, peek into the classrooms, and see all of the exciting things that are happening! You can’t help but smile in amazement, as despite the pandemic, CAP’s “Thrive to 5” program has made Grace Church a second daytime home to approximately 40 enrolled children, cared for by a dedicated staff of 18.
We are privileged to partner with Community Action Partnership in making possible this place dedicated to building a firm foundation for our most precious natural resource, our children, our future! Grace provides for no charge the facility or major repairs, while CAP helps to cover the cost of utilities with a small stipend, and runs the program hiring staff and selecting children to enroll.
It is noteworthy that more than half of the children enrolled are able to be here through some sort of funding provided to them through federal, state, or other assistance programs.
If you know of someone looking for childcare, they can reach the director, Nikki Waldron, at 291-0275. Hours of operation are 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
gracelutheranchurch.com 