Building Access. Strengthening Families. Growing Our Community.
PioneerCare is proud to lead a major new community initiative to expand access to high quality, affordable child care in Fergus Falls. Through a broad local partnership with Fergus Falls Area Habitat for Humanity and community leaders, this capital campaign will help bring up to 70 new child care slots to our region over the next three years.
This is a separate capital campaign from Securing the Future and represents a distinct community wide investment in families, workforce stability, and the next generation.
Learn More About the Community Child Care Expansion
We shared more details about this project, the community partnership, and what it means for local families in our official announcement.
Read the BlogTwo Ways You Can Help Today!
Donate Online
Support the Community Child Care Expansion with a secure online donation. Your gift directly supports construction, development, and long term operation of new child care spaces.
Donate by Mail
If you prefer to donate by check, please mail your contribution to:
PioneerCare Foundation
Attention: Community Child Care Expansion
1131 Mabelle Ave South
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Why This Project Matters
Access to child care directly affects families, employers, and the local economy. Fergus Falls, like many rural communities, faces a shortage of affordable licensed child care. This project is designed to meet that need through a sustainable, community driven solution.
This initiative will:
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Expand access to quality affordable child care
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Support working parents and local employers
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Strengthen the regional workforce
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Create long term infrastructure for families
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Improve quality of life for children and caregivers
This is an investment that benefits the entire community today and for generations to come.
Project Overview
The Community Child Care Expansion will be built on vacant land owned by PioneerCare off Channing Avenue in Fergus Falls. The plan includes a series of small neighborhood style child care pods designed for independent licensed providers. These purpose built spaces allow more providers to serve families in safe, well equipped environments while keeping care rooted in local neighborhoods.
Phase One of construction is anticipated to begin in Spring 2026. Additional phases will follow through 2028 as funding and development continue.
Campaign Progress
The community capital campaign, hosted by the PioneerCare Foundation, has already raised:
This early success reflects the generosity of local businesses, foundations, charitable trusts, and community partners. With strong momentum behind the campaign, we are now inviting individuals, families, service clubs, and businesses to help complete the final stretch.
Our Community Partners
This project is made possible through collaboration between:
- PioneerCare, project owner and catalyst
- Fergus Falls Area Habitat for Humanity, lead builder for Phase One
- Rural Child Care Innovation Program, project guidance and support
- City of Fergus Falls and Otter Tail County, community partners
Together, these organizations are working to deliver a sustainable and impactful child care solution for Fergus Falls.
What Our Leaders Are Saying
“This project is not about one organization. It is about what we can accomplish together as a community.”
Nathan Johnson, CEO of PioneerCare
“This is exactly the kind of project Habitat for Humanity loves to be part of. One that strengthens families, supports our workforce, and builds community.”
Stan Carignan, Executive Director of Fergus Falls Area Habitat for Humanity
Learn More About Early Childhood at PioneerCare
PioneerCare operates PioneerKids, a trusted early childhood program serving local families.
Still Have Questions
If you would like to learn more about the Community Child Care Expansion, upcoming phases, or giving opportunities, we welcome your questions.
Together, we can ensure families in Fergus Falls have greater access to the care they need to thrive.
