YMCA Developing Plan to Continue Child Care at Horace Mann After Bartlett Center Dissolution

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — A plan is being developed to continue child care services at the Horace Mann Community Center following the Bartlett Center Board’s decision to dissolve the organization.

The City of St. Joseph, United Way of Greater St. Joseph and YMCA of St. Joseph announced Monday that the YMCA is working on a plan to operate the child care program during a 120-day transition period.

The Bartlett Center Board voted Friday, Sept. 25, to dissolve the organization following months of financial challenges.

The City of St. Joseph 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 of the board’s decision to dissolve, the city said it contacted United Way and the YMCA to explore options for continuing child care services at the facility.

The YMCA is now working with both organizations to develop an operational plan for the transition period.

City officials said the plan remains tentative, but the immediate goal is to minimize disruptions for children, families and staff who rely on the program.

“Our priority is the well-being of local children and families,” YMCA of St. Joseph CEO Tammy Killin said 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 experienced financial difficulties in recent months, including missed lease payments to the city. The organization also underwent a leadership change before the board voted to dissolve.

The proposed 120-day transition period will also give the city, United Way and YMCA time to evaluate the long-term future of the Horace Mann Community Center.

Officials said residents and community organizations will be brought together to help assess community needs and discuss possible future uses for the facility.

According to the news release, child care could remain one of those uses.

The city also plans to issue a request for proposals seeking a future tenant or tenants for the Horace Mann Community Center.

Officials said it is too early to determine who will operate from the facility long term or what services will ultimately be offered there.

For now, the focus remains on maintaining child care services and creating as smooth a transition as possible for families who have relied on the Bartlett Center.

Additional information about the transition and the YMCA’s planned operations is expected to be released as details are finalized.