Seward Secures Funding for Cortland Child Care Center

CORTLAND, 12/01/17 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I/Ref-Oneonta) today announced a special state grant of $55,000 to support the Cortland YWCA’s Here We Grow Child Care Center which has been providing early learning programming to area children since 1990.   

“Affordable, quality child care is a crucial necessity that working families depend on,” said Senator Seward.  “The Cortland YWCA’s Here We Grow Child Care Center is a true lifeline, enhancing early learning opportunities for area children and providing peace of mind for parents.”

Cortland YWCA  Director Kelly Tobin said, “I applaud Senator Seward's commitment to providing early learning opportunities for the children at the Here We Grow Childcare Center. Without his support we would not be able to keep this vital center open for working families and our passionate staff who are committed to high quality care. Childcare centers are in crisis statewide with the rising cost of minimum wage and the inability to pass increases on to already stressed families. On behalf of the YWCA board, staff, families and children we serve, we thank Senator Seward for his previous support and continued assistance.”

Cortland YWCA Childcare Director Jami Bistocchi said, “Over the many years that I have been providing childcare in this community, Senator Seward has been a tremendous supporter of the childcare industry.   This early learning funding that he secured for Here We Grow will allow the center to continue providing a quality early learning and safe environment for our youngest population and their working families.” 

The grant funds secured by Senator Seward will support ongoing costs at the center which serves 45 children and 41 families living and working in Cortland and the surrounding area.  The center employs 12 full and part time staff along with another 11 substitutes employed by the YWCA.

“Here We Grow plays an essential role in our community.  The program provides children with a strong early learning foundation and helps ensure their parents are able to go to work and play a productive role in our local economy.  As the YWCA and Here We Grow explore plans for the future, I stand ready to assist in any way possible.” Seward concluded.

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