Milford Childhood Learning Center Celebrates One-year Anniversary

The Milford Childhood Learning Center (MCLC) proudly marks its first anniversary, celebrating a year of transformative impact on local families and the broader Milford community. Founded in June 2024, MCLC emerged in response to a severe local childcare shortage—most notably, a 90% gap in infant care availability. The center was created with strong community support, a collaboration with Southeast Community College and Bellwood Mennonite Church, and funding from state and local donors.

“Our mission has always been about providing quality care while building bonds between young families and creating community,” said Sami Ahlers, MCLC Center Director. “Seeing the connections form between families and watching children thrive in our nurturing environment has been incredibly rewarding.”

The center’s achievements during its first year have been remarkable. MCLC became 100% debt-free in November after raising $150,000 in community-based, tax-credit-eligible donations. The center created 16 new infant care spots, dramatically increasing availability from just two infant spots within a 15-mile radius. Over $19,000 in Title 20 state assistance has been processed for working families, with an additional $10,000 in private assistance awarded to ensure equitable access. The center held its first preschool graduation on May 1, 2025, celebrating 8 bright young graduates, and has advanced quality standards through ongoing staff training and development not only for MCLC staff but for surrounding childcare providers from other local centers as well.

Currently serving 37 children with a projected increase to 50 by August 2025, MCLC employs a team of 13 experienced staff members guided by a 7-member local board of directors. The center also celebrates the one-year anniversaries of key staff members Sami Ahlers, Center Director, Kim Stauffer, Lead Infant Teacher, and Holly Elstun, Infant Teacher, whose commitment to the center and dedication to providing quality care has been instrumental to MCLC’s success. The center is projected to reach full licensing capacity by May 2026. MCLC extends heartfelt gratitude to Tim Springer for his service on the board as the organization has accepted his board resignation. As a founding member of the project, Springer was a key component in connecting the community and the project’s success, and his contributions have been invaluable to MCLC’s foundation.

As MCLC enters its second year, the organization invites individuals and businesses to sustain its success through Nebraska LB754 Child Care Tax Credit. This program functions as a form of tax pre-payment, allowing donors to direct taxes they already owe to the state toward their local community instead. Only $1.5 million remains available for Nebraska taxpayers to claim through this program, with 100% contributions to MCLC qualifying for the tax credit. These donations help sustain equitable access, maintain low tuition and provide competitive wages to early childhood educators.

“This tax credit presents a unique opportunity to invest directly in your local community,” said Dave Welsch, Financial Sustainability Chair. “Rather than simply paying taxes to the state, you can ensure those dollars are working right here in Milford to support working families and build a stronger future for our children.”

“From a business perspective, this is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make,” added Sid Burkey, Financial Sustainability Committee member. “Local businesses can redirect their tax liability while directly supporting the workforce they depend on. When families have access to reliable childcare, it strengthens our entire local economy.”

For more information about the tax credit program, individuals can reach out to Dave Welsch, Financial Sustainability Chair, at dwelsch1980@gmail.com or (402) 826-9691.

With the continued support of the community, generous donors, and dedicated staff, the Milford Childhood Learning Center is meeting today’s needs while laying the foundation for a stronger tomorrow. The organization is nurturing the next generation, supporting working families, and building a vibrant, resilient Milford - one child at a time.