Mary Lanning Healthcare’s PAC2 Center Receives State Grant

The PAC2 Center, which is transferring ownership to Mary Lanning Healthcare in May, recently received a grant for $770,000.

The Business and Child Care Partnership Grant from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services will be used for renovations, program supplies and health and safety equipment. The Mary Lanning Healthcare Foundation applied for the grant and will facilitate the funds. 

Michelle Hopkins, MLH Human Resources Director, said the grant will help PAC2 make improvements and continue providing care for many Hastings families. One focus will be helping with the current shortage of quality child care in the area.

The Adams County Communities for Kids organization reports a gap of about 270 spots for children under age 6 who are not enrolled in private licensed day cares or public preschools.

Hopkins said MLH is working with the PAC2 Center and Beginnings Early Development Center to create more child care openings, focusing on MLH employees and their families. (Beginnings Early Development Center received a similar grant.)

“There is a shortage of healthcare employees nationwide,” Hopkins said. “Part of our goal is to assure that our employees, along with others in the community, have plenty of quality child care options. Such options help with recruitment and retention of employees.”

As is always the case, Hopkins said, MLH is striving to be a good community partner when it comes to child care in Hastings. Community members who do not work for MLH and are current PAC2 Center users will be able to continue with PAC2.

“The hope is that our efforts will positively impact not only our employees, but the community as a whole, by bringing attention to this critical shortage,” Hopkins said.

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