Yolo Crisis Nursery: A 25-year legacy of compassion

When I look back on the last 25 years of the Yolo Crisis Nursery, one word comes to mind above all else: community.

What started as a small idea fueled by compassion and determination has grown into something larger than many of us could have imagined. To have been part of this journey from the early days until now has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life.

I became involved as one of the original members of the Friends of the Nursery group, and from the beginning I fell in love with the mission. There was something special about the people involved. Everyone showed up because they genuinely cared about children and families in need. Whether we were planning fundraisers, seeking diaper donations, decorating event spaces late into the evening, or brainstorming ways to spread awareness, there was always a shared belief that the work mattered.

Over the years, I had the privilege of serving in many roles, including becoming the first Board President when the Yolo Crisis Nursery became an independent nonprofit organization in 2014. That chapter remains one of the most emotional and defining moments in our history.

When we learned the Nursery could close in 2014, it was heartbreaking to imagine Yolo County without this vital resource for children and families. There were emergency meetings, difficult conversations, and moments of uncertainty, but what I remember most is how fiercely our community fought to save the Nursery. People from every corner of Yolo County stepped up. Leaders, donors, volunteers, staff, and community members refused to let the organization disappear.

That experience reminded me what makes this community so special. When people come together around a shared purpose, incredible things happen.

One of the greatest joys of my time with the Nursery has been building relationships throughout Yolo County. I have had the chance to work alongside some of the most generous, compassionate, and hardworking people imaginable. Donors became friends, volunteers became family, and community partners became lifelong supporters of this mission.

Over the years, I poured my heart into creating experiences that brought people together while raising awareness and support for the Nursery. Whether it was a crab feed, campaign launch, brunch, or fundraiser, I always wanted guests to leave feeling inspired and connected to the mission.

The truth is, none of it would have been possible without a community with a shared passion for child abuse prevention, Bud and Judy Wolfe, were our earliest champions through the Noon Rotary Club. Their child abuse prevention platform continues today with ongoing support from the club

I have been blessed to work beside extraordinary people throughout these 25 years. Leaders like Laura Heintz who helped plant the original vision for the Nursery. Heidy Kellison who started the Friends volunteer group and helped spearhead the effort to establish a nonprofit, and most of all Heather Sleuter’s continuous, and extraordinary leadership helped guide the organization through incredible growth and expansion. Board members, staff, volunteers, donors, and advocates all played vital roles in shaping the Nursery into what it is today.

Watching Heather’s dream of a larger facility become reality has been especially meaningful. I remember the early conversations about expansion and whether it would ever truly happen. Then came the capital campaign, the partnerships, the community fundraising, and finally the groundbreaking.

When the doors officially opened to the new Yolo Crisis Nursery in 2025, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude and pride. Seeing children and families welcomed into a beautiful new space designed specifically for healing, safety, and support was a moment I will never forget. Within weeks, the organization had already doubled its capacity to serve families.

Today, as the Yolo Crisis Nursery celebrates its 25th Anniversary, I feel hopeful for the future. The organization continues to grow, the staff continues to expand, and more children and families than ever before are receiving the support they need.

As I step into retirement, I do so with a full heart.

Thank you to every donor, volunteer, community partner, staff member, and friend who has supported the Yolo Crisis Nursery over the last 25 years. One of the greatest gifts this journey has given me has been the relationships built along the way. I have had the privilege of meeting some of the most generous and compassionate people through this organization, and I will forever be grateful for the kindness, trust, and belief so many of you have shown in this mission. Every contribution, every partnership, and every act of support helped create a stronger future for children and families in Yolo County.

I also want to warmly welcome Valerie Bishop-Green as she steps into this role and continues this important work. Valerie brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and fund development, along with a thoughtful and strategic approach. Her expertise will strengthen our impact and help us reach and support even more families in the years ahead.

The future of the Yolo Crisis Nursery is incredibly bright, and I feel thankful knowing this community will continue showing up for children and families for many years to come.

By Becky Heard, Dedicated Advocate for Yolo Crisis Nursery for 25 Years