“A Million Dreamz” will officially become reality on Wednesday during a 12:15 p.m. ceremony when the Sheboygan Chamber of Commerce holds a ribbon cutting ceremony at Sheboygan’s newest child care facility at 415 Euclid Avenue. The project, some four years in the making, is coming to fruition after several starts-and-stops, and thanks to the hard work and dedication of those who dreamed of a new kind of child care that’s sorely needed here – and throughout the nation. A public Open House will follow later on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. that will allow the public to tour the facilities, which are now complete enough to begin operations on March 1st. Two more phases are in-progress, and once completed will accommodate some 200 children in the very first 24/7/365 daycare center in Wisconsin.
Executive Director Angel Berry and co-founder Nena Bemis first came up with the idea of a 24-hour childcare center in 2019 while brainstorming on how to end what’s known as a “childcare desert”, a shortage of affordable care for children who’s parents may work unusual hours, lack sufficient income, or face special needs. The title “A Million Dreams” derives from a song from the production “The Greatest Showman” which speaks to the idea of creating something not created before.
After first obtaining a building at 29th and Superior Avenue, the efforts hit multiple snags from contractors and building conditions. Attention then shifted to the old Sheboygan Christian School on Geele Avenue between 4th and 5th Streets. Although the building was a good start, the neighbors needed convincing that a facility that would be open 24/7/365 could fit into the quiet neighborhood. After receiving input from the neighbors and adjusting plans to meet their concerns, the entrance was relocated to Euclid Avenue, the property altered to provide a shield from any noises or disturbances, especially at night, and approval was obtained from City government.
Berry said that they received a lot of support from City Hall and the Common Council, which now appears to be excited to see one of Sheboygan’s major crises being addressed. A Community Development Block Grant from the City was also obtained, making it possible for families that don’t qualify for the “Wisconsin Shares” childcare program for underfunded families to also get the childcare they need through a flexible rate program.
The “Wisconsin Shares” program, Berry said, created a sort of “cliff” that families fell off when income exceeded a certain level, in essence perpetuating poverty. A Million Dreamz is trying to create a “bridge over that chasm” to allow families to gain financial independence.
Another part of A Million Dreamz’ mission is to provide care for special needs children through the age of 17. That requires specialized staff for state certification, but will make it able to care for those with differing abilities and challenging behaviors.
Although the doors officially open March 1st, a lot remains to be done to complete the final two phases of the project, and Berry said that they’re seeking community support, grants and other funding to complete those. Even with that remaining, A Million Dreamz is drawing attention from elsewhere, especially Manitowoc and Door Counties, and Berry said that AMD aims for their approaches to be duplicatable so others can follow their lead.
Intense demand for child care remains even with the opening, and Berry said their waitlist is over 300 long for a facility that will eventually have room for 200. Only 39 will be enrolled initially, and Berry said that anyone interested should get on that wait list as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the dream is now reality, and the public is invited to see what it’s all about on Wednesday. Those who can’t attend can learn more online at amilliondreamz.org.
