02/26/2025
Closed Indefinitely!
I was hoping this day would never come, but here we are. This has been a gut-wrenching decision that has affected me in ways I never would have imagined.
For the past six years, we were able to provide great care to the kids of our community as well as support those around Alexis. To say this decision has been heart breaking and extremely overwhelming is an gross understatement.
DCFS has made my job impossible, yet they wonder why there are no daycares available. I can't blame them alone the state itself has made decisions that have been extremely detrimental and they are weeks, and in some cases, months behind on reimbursements. We started with 100% self payed kids. As time has gone on, and the economy has absolutely collapsed over the past 4 years, we are now nearly 90% dependent on those state payments. Finally, I would be foolish not to admit that I have made decisions that have been detrimental at times as well. Today, the totality of DCFS, financial worries, staffing issues, and poor decisions making became too much to overcome!
It has been an honor that so many of you have entrusted your children with us. I can't thank our parents and community enough! It was a dream from the beginning. Unfortunately, not all dreams work out the way you hope.
I want to thank the staff who have worked with us over the years. There are too many to name without worrying that I missed someone, so I will thank the ones that stood beside me today. If it wasn't for people like Beca, Amy, and Caiti, this place would have been empty a long time ago. They are the real reason for the success that we had, even though it was over too soon. They are the reason we made it six years, and their success in the classroom is what has had a truly positive impact on so many kids.
Finally, without the love, support, and help from my Mom and Dad, none of this would have happened in the first place. I am truly blessed to have such caring and giving parents still in my life. My Mom and Dad are truly some of the finest people to have ever lived in this area. Their self sacrifice and dedication to not only me and my ventures, but to the overall community are invaluable. School board member, Alexis Cardinal Manor board, the Alexis Fire Department, Alexis Ambulance Service, the Presbyterian Church, North Henderson Livestock show, Mercer County 4-H, softball coaches, livestock judging coaches, and I guarantee i missed dozens of little things. I am so proud to be their son!
Thank you so much from all of us at The Cardinals' Nest.
