124 Greenwich Street
Hempstead, NY 11550

516.213.0005, x111

Family and Children’s Nursery Co-op is a short-term childcare and case management program for parents seeking employment, education or training in pursuit of self-sufficiency. Located in the annex of the Hagedorn Family Resource Center in Hempstead, the Nursery Co-op is unique in the availability it provides to it clients.

The Nursery Co-op program helps parents and guardians pursue and achieve personal and/or family goals as their children are provided with safe, nurturing, short-term childcare. By providing childcare and referrals to appropriate support services, the program enables parents to successfully reach personal and career objectives that enhance their ability to advance their family’s long-term economic stability and self-sufficiency.

Nursery Co-op parents also have the opportunity to participate in workshop or parent education activities. These workshops are one of the program’s most helpful and popular features. Because most of the families served are primarily Spanish speakers, the workshops are bilingual. Monthly parent meetings are also held.

On site at the Nursery Co-op center is a flea market of sorts. Donations of clothing, household goods, appliances, furniture and other items are made available to parents to “shop” by filling bags for a nominal cost. The funds raised are funneled back into the program and provide much needed items to Nursery Co-op families at very little cost.

In 2006, the Nursery Co-op established and was successful in achieving the annual program goal of increasing the number of client families from the full array of Family and Children’s services, helping them make use of the Hagedorn Family Resource Center. Two client testimonials say it all:

“The program is a great asset to me. It helps not only my child but me as well.”

“I would recommend this program to anyone who is trying to find work or schooling. It is a wonderful program with wonderful staff who take very good care of the children.”

The Nursery Co-op operates 5 half-weekdays for 11 months of the year. It is closed in August in preparation of the coming season.