VALENTINE, Neb. - A much-anticipated childcare facility is set to break ground soon in Valentine, providing much-needed support for local families. The Valentine Children and Families Coalition plans to open the facility in the basement of St. John’s Episcopal Church, aiming for a Feb. 1 launch.

The coalition will lease the space from the church for just $1 a year for the next decade.

“They’re not doing it to make money, but to be a service to the community,” said Valentine Children and Families Coalitions Director Jill Austin.

Austin has been working on the $100,000 project for about a year, securing funding to cover renovations and find a location. Planned upgrades include the installation of egress windows, a new HVAC system, flooring, cabinetry, and fresh paint.

“There’s always been a discussion for a childcare facility. We’re finally getting there. It will elevate the current need that we have, but it will also expand the workforce, whether it’s people going to work or moving here because they can now find childcare,” said Austin.

The facility can accommodate up to 30 children, though capacity will depend on staff availability and the ages of the children. Austin already has one provider lined up.

“We have a provider who was a teacher in Todd County. She was a kindergarten teacher for eight years,” said Austin.

By May, Austin hopes to hire an additional childcare worker, which will allow the center to care for 12 children, including up to four infants under 18 months old.

“We’re also looking into the potential for a sublease, where someone could care for four infants in one room,” said Austin. “Infant childcare is an especially critical need in Valentine.”

Austin told the news to Cherry County commissioners during their meeting on Tuesday, who are committing $50,000 of ARPA funds to the project.

“It’s very exciting for the community,” said Cherry County Commissioner Nina Nelson.