Investing in Our Future: Capital Campaign
Loving Care Early Learning Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was originally founded in 2005 as a small in-home childcare program by Jessica Russell. Over the past two decades, it has grown into a vital community resource addressing the childcare shortage in Phelps County and surrounding communities. After expansions and relocating, the center now temporarily operates out of Holdrege Methodist Church with the capacity to serve 70 children.
We are now twenty months into an estimated $2 million capital project that began under a highly compressed timeline in response to an urgent community need. During this period, we have designed a purpose‑built early learning center, restructured as a 501(c)(3), purchased commercial real estate, and secured more than 30 percent of our fundraising goal. Despite the pressure to maintain uninterrupted care amid the possibility of displacement—and the requirement to obtain licensure for a new facility within only a few months—the project has achieved significant milestones and continues to advance with strong momentum.
We carry the financial and fiduciary responsibility to ensure that the project timeline remains aligned with our budget, safeguarding both the integrity of the plan and the resources entrusted to us. The new center, located at 900 Burlington Street between the new Dairy Queen and the Cobblestone Inn, is designed to meet the diverse needs of local families and to support the continued growth of the Holdrege community.
Our mission is to provide high‑quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood education in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment. We support working families, reduce barriers to employment, and strengthen both the local workforce and the regional economy. As we prepare to expand into a purpose‑built facility, our goal is to increase licensed capacity to 100 children, including infant, toddler, preschool, and school‑age care. Loving Care remains committed to investing in the well‑being of families and the long‑term health of the community.
We believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in an environment that fosters emotional development and a strong sense of belonging. Our community understands that early childhood is the most critical period in human development—and that investment in this stage yields lifelong benefits for children, families, and society. By supporting this effort, the community is investing in workforce stability, strong families, and the long‑term strength of the local economy.
Loving Care Early Learning Center is responding to the community's need for childcare by launching a capital campaign. The goal of this campaign is to build a new, permanent childcare facility. This new center is designed to meet the needs of young families and the growing community. We anticipate that this new center will allow us to expand from serving 80 kids to 105.
The Plan
Our plan is to purchase land a build a 6,000 sqaure foot Early Learning Center to continue our legacy in Holdrege. To fulfill its vision, Loving Care Early Learning Center is seeking committed donors and partners to help close the funding gap. The total estimated cost of the new facility project is $2.5 million. This amount will help cover construction costs, land acquisition, facility equipment needs, and an outdoor playground. The organization needs this support to make its vision a reality and open its doors before the end of 2025
The Vision
75+ Kids will lose vital childcare, affecting our local workforce and leaving parents without quality options. The capacity will expand with the new facility.
Serving over 55 families. These families work in medical, education, and other industries.
14 staff members provide high-quality care to our community.
Holdrege is growing and expanding. The community will need more childcare to attract workers to move to our community.
The Need
Land Acquisition - $200,000
General Construction - $1,665,000
Furniture / Fixtures / Equipment - $245,000
Maintenance Reserve / Endowment - $200,000
Other (Insurance, Permits, Engineering, Contingency, etc. - $190,000
Total = $2,500,000
The Budget
Steering Committee
These dedicated community leaders have volunteered their time and talent to help make this project a reality. Thank you
Zach & Jacci Kerner
Whitney Kuss
Taylor Waller
Nate Bennett
Brenden Kreutzer
Clare Kreutzer
Ben Johnson
Logan Ausman
Jordan Ausman
Ashley Maloley
