Funds will support expansion program

SIDNEY -- The Sidney and Greater Area (SAGA) Fund recently awarded a $5,000 grant to Kid’s Korner Early Child Development Center.

The grant will support the expansion project. This will address the growing need for after-school and summer care for school-aged children in the Sidney community, providing them with a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where they can thrive.

Kid’s Korner has recognized a gap in offerings for children ages 8 and above. “The HangOut” will meet this demand by transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant areas designed for older children. The facility will include a lounge area complete with a juice and snack bar, gaming stations, a climbing structure, a craft room, and outdoor areas for motor activities and gardening.

“We are excited to support Kid’s Korner in their efforts to create such an engaging and forward-thinking space for our community’s youth,” said Melissa Norgard, Chairperson of the Sidney and Greater Area Fund. “'The HangOut' represents an incredible opportunity for school-aged children to have a safe space where they can grow, learn, and build lasting friendships, all while being part of a program that supports their overall development.”

The HangOut will also introduce leadership-inspired clubs and community engagement initiatives, creating opportunities for children to grow socially , emotionally and intellectually. The SAGA Fund’s $5,000 grant will help cover a portion of the costs involved in transforming the facility and developing the program. Kids Korner’s expansion will provide much-needed resources and space for school-aged children, ensuring that Sidney continues to offer high-quality childcare options for working families.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generous support from the Sidney and Greater Area Fund,” said Tiffany Jones, Director of Kid’s Korner Early Child Development Center. “This expansion will allow us to meet the growing demand for school-age childcare while offering a dynamic and inspiring environment for the kids in our community. The HangOut is more than just a space; it’s a place where children can learn, explore, and build the skills they need to succeed.”

The HangOut is set to open January 2025 and Kid’s Korner looks forward to welcoming school-aged children to this exciting new chapter in their services.

For more information about Kid’s Korner and The HangOut, contact Tiffany Jones at (308) 254-9240.

About Kid’s Korner Early Child Development Center: Kid’s Korner Early Child Development Center is Sidney’s premier provider of childcare services, committed to fostering the social, emotional, and intellectual growth of children in a safe and nurturing environment. Through innovative programming and developmentally appropriate activities, Kid’s Korner serves the needs of both children and their families in Sidney.

About SAGA Fund: The Sidney and Greater Area Fund (SAGA Fund) is a community-affiliated fund through the Nebraska Community Foundation. SAGA is dedicated to nurturing and enhancing the well-being of the Sidney and Greater Area community through strategic philanthropy. To learn more about the Sidney and Greater Area Fund or make a donation, visit https://www.nebcommfound.org/give/saga/