Yolo Crisis Nursery May Close Doors In Move That May Be About More Than Money
YOLO COUNTY (CBS13) — After more than a decade of service, the Yolo Crisis Nursery may close its doors in a move that may be about more than just a lack of funds.
It looks like just another Davis house, but this home has been a lifeline for thousands of Yolo County children and parents.
"We literally prevent child abuse," said Heidy Kellison, the head of the friends of the Yolo County Nursery.
She's witnessed that help for 13 years, where the nursery would take children in when parents are in trouble and need help.
"We see families literally on the cliff of demise," she said.
But now the nursery is in a crisis of its own.
It gets money through grants and other private funding, but the organization in charge of that money has decided to walk away. Without $100,000 by June, it will shut down.
CBS13 has learned the host company is none other than EMQ Families First. That company's name became very well-known last year in Davis when a group home it ran was effectively shut down as allegations of neglect and student-on-student rape surfaced.
"They should not take it out on the children of Yolo County, and those who are most vulnerable," said Yolo County Supervisor Don Saylor.
He says while Families First is citing a lack of charitable dollars, he isn't sure if there isn't more to their action after Davis Police launched an investigation into the group home on Fifth Street.
"Is it the bottom line? Maybe. Is it a retaliation? Maybe," he said. "My concern, and that of most people in Yolo County, is to make sure the services are available to our children."
In the meantime, there is a fight to keep the crisis nursery open.
"We're in an emergency situation, so I'm responding like a mom, and my plan is to join with this community and save our baby," Kellison said.
Families First told CBS13 in a statement that the decision is simply based on the current state of funds.
If you want to help, contact Heidy Kellison at heidy[at)cwo.com.