City, United Way and YMCA issue plan following dissolution of Bartlett Center
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — A new plan is taking shape for child care services at the Horace Mann Community Center following the Bartlett Center Board’s decision to dissolve.
The City of St. Joseph, United Way of Greater St. Joseph and the YMCA of St. Joseph announced Monday that the YMCA is developing a plan to operate the child care program during a 120-day transition period.
The Bartlett Center board approved its dissolution on Friday, Sept. 25, after months of financial challenges.
The city owns the Horace Mann Community Center at 409 S. 18th St., where the Bartlett Center has operated its child care program for several years.
After learning the Bartlett Center planned to dissolve, the city said it reached out to United Way and the YMCA to explore options for keeping services available to families.
The YMCA is now working with the city and United Way to develop an operational plan for the transition.
While the city said the plan is still tentative, officials say the immediate goal is to minimize disruptions for children, families and staff.
“Our priority is the well-being of local children and families,” said Tammy Killin, CEO of the YMCA of St. Joseph in a news release. “The YMCA of St. Joseph is prepared to work collaboratively with current Bartlett Center staff and community partners to help maintain reliable childcare services at the Horace Mann Community Center.”
The Bartlett Center has faced financial difficulties in recent months, including missed lease payments to the city. The organization also underwent a leadership change before its board voted to dissolve.
The city, United Way and YMCA say the 120-day transition will give them time to evaluate the long-term future of the Horace Mann Community Center.
Officials plan to bring together residents and community organizations to assess community needs and potential future uses for the facility.
A news release said child care could remain as one of those uses.
The city plans to also issue a request for proposals seeking a future tenant or tenants for the facility.
Officials said it is too early to determine who will operate at the center long term or what services will ultimately be offered.
For now, the city said the focus is on maintaining child care services and providing a smooth transition for families who have relied on the Bartlett Center.
In addition, the groups said more information about the transition and YMCA operations will be released as the plan is finalized.
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