Yolo Crisis Nursery: Community investment in children, families
This year, Yolo Crisis Nursery was honored to be named Nonprofit of the Year, a recognition that belongs not only to our organization, but to the countless individuals, businesses, volunteers, donors, and community partners who believe every child deserves a safe place to turn during times of crisis.
While this award is incredibly meaningful, what matters most is what it represents. This recognition reflects the impact that our community has made possible for children and families across Yolo County.
Over the past year, Yolo Crisis Nursery has experienced tremendous growth. Following the opening of our new home, we have expanded our ability to serve children and families in ways that were once impossible. Our previous facility was small, limiting both the number of children we could care for and the services we could provide. Today, we have the capacity to serve three times more families through safe respite care, specialized daycare, family support services, parenting education, employment assistance, homeless outreach, foster care support, and much more.
This growth comes at a time when families need us more than ever.
Parents throughout our community are facing growing challenges. Rising gas prices, grocery costs, financial hardship, mental health concerns, and reduced access to support services continue to place significant pressure on families. As these demands increase, many parents find themselves feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and without the resources they need to weather difficult times and provide safe, stable care for their children.
One father, Cristian Beaza, came to the Nursery during one of the most difficult periods of his life. Facing anxiety, substance use, and the possibility of losing his relationship with his young daughter, he felt isolated and uncertain about the future.
“The Nursery opened its doors to me when I didn’t know where else to turn,” Cristian shared.
Through the Nursery’s respite care services, Cristian was able to focus on his recovery while knowing his daughter was safe, cared for, and surrounded by nurturing staff. Over time, he rebuilt stability in his life, strengthened his bond with his daughter, and created a brighter future for their family.
“I became a better father because of the support I received,” he said.
Today, the photo of Cristian and his daughter reflect more than a single moment. It represents hope, healing, and the lasting impact of providing families with support before they reach a breaking point. Stories like Cristian’s remind us that when we support parents, children thrive.
That understanding led the Nursery to launch a Fatherhood Support Group, one of the newest additions to our family support services. Fathers often face unique challenges and are less likely to have access to support networks, parenting resources, or spaces where they feel comfortable seeking guidance, encouragement, and connection. Our group provides a welcoming environment where dads can build relationships, share experiences, and gain the tools and confidence needed to strengthen their families.
Each month, our Fatherhood Support Group creates a welcoming environment where dads can share experiences, learn parenting skills, build healthy relationships, and support one another. The response has been inspiring. Fathers who once felt alone are finding community, confidence, and practical tools that strengthen their families.
While the need for services continues to grow, nonprofits across California are facing increasing uncertainty. Funding reductions, growing competition for grants, and rising operating costs are creating significant challenges for organizations like ours that provide critical support to children and families. At a time when more families are turning to community resources for help, sustaining these essential services has become more important than ever.
The reality is that the need does not disappear when funding is reduced. Children still need safe care. Parents still need support. Families still need resources, guidance, and hope.
That is why community support remains essential.
Every donation, volunteer hour, sponsorship, fundraiser, and advocacy effort directly contributes to the safety and well-being of children in Yolo County. Community support helps us keep our doors open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It helps us provide respite care, parenting education, outreach services, care packages, and family support programs that strengthen families before crises escalate.
As we celebrate being named Nonprofit of the Year, we also want to recognize one of the individuals who has helped make this work possible.
Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry has been a steadfast supporter of children and families throughout Yolo County. Her commitment to strengthening communities and advocating for resources that help families thrive has made a meaningful difference. We are grateful for her support, partnership, and belief in the importance of investing in children and family well-being.
Each day, families continue to reach out for help. Each day, children need safe places, caring adults, and opportunities to thrive. Each day, we are reminded that prevention, support, and compassion change lives.
As we look toward the future, we are excited to launch the new Yolo Crisis Nursery Ambassador Program. This volunteer group will help raise awareness, strengthen community connections, support fundraising efforts, and advocate for children and families throughout Yolo County. An informational meeting will be held on July 14 for those interested in learning more about how they can get involved. To learn more, visit yolocrisisnursery.org.
Together, we are building stronger families, healthier children, and a more resilient community. With continued support, we can ensure that every child has a safe place to turn and every family has access to the resources they need to thrive.
Heather Sleuter
Executive Director, Yolo Crisis Nursery