Brad and Valerie Pryor first realized the need for more high-quality, affordable childcare in Reno County when they were in need of it themselves. As they began looking at childcare options for their young children, they experienced frustration with wait lists and knew they couldn’t be alone.

“We say we want young families to live here, but we were lacking some of the services they need,” said Brad.

Looking for solutions, the Pryors gathered key community stakeholders—Hutchinson Community Foundation, the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way of Reno County— for a conversation around early childhood programs in Reno County.

“Even people without kids or grandkids in the area got involved because they love Hutchinson and felt it was the right thing to do,” said Valerie.

They began connecting others who were looking to make progress, and as a result, a new childcare facility opened in early June at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.

“The progress made is great, but we need to keep the ball rolling. I want all kids to start kindergarten from the same starting block, and that requires quality early childhood programming,” said Brad.