Green Bay Invests $100,000 to Address Barriers to Childcare

News Release
3/10/2023

The City of Green Bay Invests $100,000 to Help Address Barriers to Childcare
Funds will go to Brown County United Way, which will partner with Family & Childcare Resources of N.E.W.

GREEN BAY— Mayor Eric Genrich presented a check of $100,000 to Brown County United Way and Family & Childcare Resources of N.E.W. to assist unregulated childcare providers located within the city to become regulated, including a focus on supporting culturally responsive providers. In February, Mayor Genrich recommended, and the Common Council approved, using a portion of the city’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to support the initiative.

“Today’s announcement is another example of the importance and power of public-private partnerships,” says Robyn Davis, President and CEO of Brown County United Way. “Brown County United Way’s Advocacy Council identified childcare equity as a top priority for individuals and families, and this innovative initiative will increase childcare options throughout the City of Green Bay.”

The money will support renovations, background checks, fingerprinting, age-appropriate materials and equipment, application costs to apply for a license, and more. These factors can hinder unregulated group and home-based providers seeking to become regulated.

“Lack of access to affordable, high quality childcare is an issue for families and employers in Green Bay and around the country,” said Mayor Eric Genrich. “I’m pleased the City of Green Bay can be part of the solution, in partnership with the Brown County United Way and FCRNEW, and I look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will make in the community.”

This initiative will help address the shortage of qualified childcare professionals and the city’s lack of culturally responsive childcare options. The pandemic caused the city to lose nearly 600 regulated childcare slots.

“We look forward to working with prospective childcare providers,” says Paula Breese, Executive Director for Family & Childcare Resources of N.E.W. “With the city dollars invested we will begin to make a difference for parents who are looking for access to childcare.”

In 2022, Brown County United Way invested $50,000 to increase culturally diverse childcare options in the community. Today’s new public-private partnership with the city and Family & Childcare Resources of N.E.W. will continue to work towards more childcare options for the residents of Green Bay.

About Brown County United Way: Founded in 1925, Brown County United Way (BCUW) is a center for community-based strategies. Through direct fundraising, grant-making, community mobilization, and advocacy efforts, Brown County United Way leverages its organizational resources and deep local partnerships to advance targeted community solutions. With the help of more than 500 community volunteers from all community sectors, Brown County United Way is dedicated to finding solutions to the community’s most pressing human services issues.