Day Nursery of Abilene history

Following is a timeline of the organization’s growth and accomplishments:‍1973: The first child care facility opened on Ash Street to serve 25 children.

In less than 10 years, the Day Nursery program experienced a substantial growth from one facility serving 25 children to three facilities.‍1991: Day Nursery’s board of directors conducted its first capital campaign to construct a child care center for families working in the downtown Abilene area.

In less than 20 years, Day Nursery’s centers were serving more than 300 children daily in three license facilities operating Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 6:00pm.‍1992: Day Nursery’s Ash Street Center (first Day Nursery center) began the provision of night and weekend child care services.

An offer made to purchase the property was accepted and the additional Cedar Street facility (annex) was quickly renovated to temporarily relocate the Park Street Center.‍1999: Funds were raised for a second capital campaign to construct a new facility in northwest Abilene on Sherry Lane.

A capital campaign in 2004 led to securing a permanent site on the south side of Abilene for this center.

In May 2007 the Day Nursery of Abilene received the first, ever Award of Excellence by the Community Foundation of Abilene in recognition of its work in the community on behalf of families and children.

2008: Celebrate! 2008 event hosted by the board of directors and advisory committee commemorated the 35th anniversary of the Day Nursery of Abilene.

The United Way Vision Grant funded both classrooms through May 2010.

Over $500,000 was raised for the expansion project.‍2015: Completed the campaign to expand the Vine Street Center.