Relief Nursery Expansion

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Story Published: Nov 17, 2006 at 5:40 PM PST

By Jennifer Winters

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The Relief Nursery in Eugene is embarking on a major expansion, to help more at risk families.

The non-profit is eyeing land in Springfield in hopes of building a new 13,000 square foot center.

Three year old Erik loves coming to this relief nursery classroom in Springfield where he can play, eat lunch and sing. He belts out, "Next time won't you sing with me."

Lise Schellman, a Relief Nursery Teacher says "We try to provide them with a place where they can feel safe, bring the kids a lot of stimulation and an environment that very comfortable for them and a lot of security."

It's also a relief for Erik's grandma, Janet Anderson, who's caring for him while his parents sort through some issues. She says "It gives me a break and allows him to be with other children."

But the small space is donated. And relief nursery officials say for every family helped, there are many more still in need.

Irene Alltucker, the Exective Director of the Relief Nusery says "What we are finding is a lot of the families that are needing our services are coming from the Springfield community."

Right now the Relief Nursery puts kids and families on a bus and brings them from Springfield to Eugene for services, but only a third of their clients come from Springfield.

The solution may lie at 42nd and Jasper Road in Springfield. The Relief Nursery hopes to buy this land and build a center with childcare, parent classrooms and more. The city currently owns the land.

Alltucker says "We do need to have the city council and mayor decide that selling to the relief nursery is the best use of the land."

Springfield Mayor Sid Leiken calls the relief nursery land sale a golden opportunity.

However the sale still needs to go through the council and public hearing process.

Springfield takes up the issue December 4th. In the meantime, the Relief Nursery just doubled its attendance at this classroom to help families on their way to success.

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