Capital Campaigns
Regional Capital Campaign Launches
Join us in fueling the future of Southern Oregon as we expand our efforts across Jackson and Josephine counties, dramatically increasing access to childcare, early childhood development, and family resources for our entire region.
MEDFORD
The Oregon Center for Creative Learning has secured 111 Fir Street to establish a premier early childhood hub. This new campus features nine classrooms and sensory suites to serve Jackson County. By revitalizing this landmark, we are increasing regional access to childcare for our community.
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GRANTS PASS
Dutch Bros Coffee has donated its headquarters to bring the next Ivy School and Children’s Museum to Josephine County. This incredible gift provides a permanent foundation for educational resources. By transforming this facility, we are ensuring a bright future for all local kids and families.
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It Takes a Village to Build a Future
Southern Oregon is facing a crisis in early childhood resources. While our regional expansion is underway, your support is the final piece of the puzzle.
The reality of our current landscape demands a collective response:
In Jackson County, only 23% of children aged 0–5 have access to childcare and early education. In Josephine County, that number is only slightly higher at 24%.
The Access Gap
Overall, 77% of children in Southern Oregon do not have access to preschool or childcare slots.
Limited Availability
On average, 65-75% of children entering kindergarten are not prepared for the rigors of a classroom environment.
School Readiness
55% of families cannot afford the cost of childcare at all, and at least 25% more require some level of financial assistance.
Financial Barriers
The Societal Impact
This lack of infrastructure creates a ripple effect of family instability that impacts our entire region:
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Workplace Challenges: Significant hurdles for local employers trying to maintain a reliable workforce.
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Mental Health: A critical lack of therapeutic, developmental, and mental health services for children in crisis.
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Long-term Costs: A chronic increase in societal spending upstream—affecting healthcare, law enforcement, housing, and public assistance.
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Bridging the Gap: Our Solution
The new campaigns will highlight the importance of collective effort in shaping a brighter future for our region by investing in the well-being and education of our children.
Additionally, This campaign focuses on highlighting the transformative impact of Early Childhood Education (ECE) on individuals and society. It aims to underscore how investing in ECE can address pressing societal issues and build a stronger, more resilient community.
By emphasizing the long-term benefits of early education, the campaign seeks to rally support for expanding and enhancing ECE programs.
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This campaign is not just about building schools and museums; it’s about Fueling our future in a meaningful way that prioritizes our children's development and the community’s collective well-being.