Organizations Exploring Options to Create Crisis Nursery in Macon County

January 16, 2025

Original coverage in WAND by Caryn Eisert. View the TV news segment in the original coverage.

Efforts are underway in Macon County to establish a crisis nursery, which could offer vital support to families in emergency situations while addressing gaps in early childhood care.

Heather Seitz, one of the leaders behind the initiative, says the need is clear.

“Something that we kept hearing is there’s a lack of childcare. People have childcare, but it’s maybe not consistent, or in emergency situations, they have nowhere to bring their children,” she explained.

Seitz is the Regional Council Manager for Birth to Five Illinois: Region 39. Birth to Five Illinois is a statewide agency that looks at early childhood education and care for children Zero to Five. It uses data to identify challenges families face and works to find solutions.

One of those solutions Birth to Five Illinois identified was the need for a crisis nursery in Macon County.

These nurseries are designed to provide a safe, supportive environment for children up to age six during emergencies. Seitz has worked closely with families and sees this project as transformative.

The proposed nursery would serve as a haven for children, offering care for up to 72 hours in situations such as medical emergencies, housing crises, or other urgent circumstances. Children will be in a safe, warm, and well-fed setting while families go to handle situations.

"Families move all over, so you don't always have that community surrounding you," Seitz added.

Currently, the closest crisis nurseries are located in Springfield, Urbana, Effingham, and Bloomington, leaving a notable gap in central Illinois. Advocates for the project want Macon County can fill that void.

“We’re hoping to be that center hub so families aren’t having to go so far away,” Seitz said.

State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield), who previously served on the board of the Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery in Springfield, understands the profound impact these facilities can have. Recently she helped secure $1 million in Illinois’ Fiscal Year 2025 budget to create a grant program through the Department of Human Services to support crisis nurseries across the state.

“It can be a short-term crisis or a long-term crisis, but those programs are operating 24 hours a day to offer that support,” Sen. Turner said.

Beyond childcare, the proposed nursery would serve as a broader resource hub for families, offering essentials such as formula, diapers, and clothing.

For people wanting to learn more, there will be a Community Meeting on January 28 at the Decatur Public Library from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.