Frankfort – The William Joseph Crisis Nursery, slated to open early next year, is still seeking the financial and volunteer support it needs to begin serving families in crisis. Founder Rachel Moore, a domestic‑violence survivor and mother of three, says the facility will provide a temporary home for children up to 30 days while parents work through challenges such as domestic violence, substance use, homelessness or serious medical issues.
Mission rooted in personal experience
Moore’s own family has faced hardship. Her son Eli required a liver transplant as an infant, and she later survived an abusive relationship. “We’ve faced our fair share of family crisis,” she told LEX News. “Seeing this nursery take shape means a lot to me as a mother.”
How the nursery will help
The center, located at 911 Leawood Drive, will offer a safe, nurturing environment for children while parents access counseling, substance‑use treatment, housing assistance, or medical care. By keeping children out of the foster‑care system, the nursery aims to preserve family bonds and give parents a chance to recover.
Funding and staffing remain the biggest hurdles
Although the organization has already launched an infant pantry and provides other family resources on site, it cannot yet hire the staff needed to operate the nursery. “We’re getting calls all the time. People are ready for us to be open. We’re ready to be open, but the biggest barrier is funding to be able to pay the staff,” Moore said.
Ways the community can help
Moore urges residents to do more than write checks. She invites people to tour the facility, meet the team, and see the progress firsthand. “Pictures don’t do it justice,” she explained. “Come see what we’re trying to do.” Donations can be mailed to the nursery’s address, and contributions are also accepted via Venmo (search for William Joseph Crisis Nursery).
Looking ahead
With additional resources, the nursery hopes to open its doors in the new year, providing a critical safety net for families facing hardship. Moore emphasizes that the success of the project depends on the generosity and involvement of the Frankfort community.
For more information or to arrange a visit, contact Rachel Moore at the William Joseph Crisis Nursery.
Original reporting: LEX18 Lexington (local) — read the source article.
