Goodwill of South-Central Ohio’s On-Site Daycare Center

Challenges

Access

Location

Ohio

Stakeholders

Businesses, Nonprofits

Beneficiaries

Parents, Children

Overview

Goodwill Industries of South-Central Ohio, a regional nonprofit employer, opened an on-site childcare center in its headquarters in Chillicothe to serve the children of its employees and the broader community.

Key Impact Metrics

40
childcare slots created
89%
projected return-to-work rate for employees

Problem

The number of licensed childcare providers in Ross County, Ohio, had been declining for more than 10 years. This was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic when the number of childcare centers reduced by more than 25%. These developments were a problem for many local employers in the region, and Goodwill was no exception.

Solution

Goodwill’s solution was to build a 3,500-square-foot, on-site daycare center at its main corporate campus in Chillicothe. The center, which opened on September 18, 2023, is licensed to care for up to 44 children at one time, serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The childcare service is offered to employees at a reduced, tiered rate based on family income, making it a highly affordable option. The center is also staffed by qualified professionals and is subsidized by the revenue generated from Goodwill’s retail stores, which allows the organization to provide a convenient and high-quality solution to help its employees remain in the workforce.

Results

Beneficiary Impact40 children served
Employee Impact89% projected return-to-work rate for employees
Financial Results~$33,000 saved a year in preventing employee turnover costs

Replication Tips

Align with nonprofit mission: If you’re a nonprofit (or any employer with a social mission), position an on-site childcare center as part of fulfilling your mission. This can unlock donor funding or board support. For example, Goodwill reframed childcare as workforce development, aligning it with their mission of helping people become self-sufficient.
Community collaboration: Goodwill’s example gained publicity and community support. For replication, collaborate with local childcare resource agencies, economic development boards, and even similar organizations to your own. In a small town, one employer’s center might help employees of other businesses, too.