Elm Park Early Learning Center is set to transform childcare access in Florence, Oregon, a community officially designated as a childcare desert. Led by Layne Morrill, president of Our Coastal Village, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity, and supported by Head Start of Lane County, the City of Florence, and Siuslaw Childcare Friends, the Center will serve 76 children—half through Head Start programming for families at or below the federal poverty line, and half through community childcare for families who do not qualify for Head Start. Siuslaw Childcare Friends will also provide subsidies for families who earn above the Head Start threshold but still cannot afford market rates, ensuring that more children have access to quality early learning opportunities. Currently, families in Florence face long waitlists and limited capacity, forcing many parents to forego employment due to the lack of available childcare. Elm Park Early Learning Center will increase local childcare slots by 50%, offering infants, toddlers, and pre-k children a safe, nurturing environment. The center will feature inclusive programming and partnerships with local employers, who have already committed substantial support, helping secure additional grant funding from The Ford Family Foundation. These efforts have resulted in significant state grants and strong local employer commitments, demonstrating strong community momentum. Construction is scheduled to begin in November 2025 and finish by July 2026, with childcare services launching on September 8, 2026. This fundraiser aims to close the final gap in the construction budget, ensuring the Center can open on schedule and begin serving Florence’s families. Every contribution will help create a lasting impact for children and parents who need it most.