William Joseph Crisis Nursery says it still needs funding, donations and volunteers before planned October start

The William Joseph Crisis Nursery says it is still seeking community support ahead of a planned opening that was originally targeted for October. Founder Rachel Moore said the organization has not yet met the funding, staffing, and volunteer needs required to begin operations, even as it works to prepare for when children will be able to be served.

In an Oct. 22 report, LEX18 said Moore and the nursery had hoped to begin welcoming children in October. Moore attributed the delayed readiness to ongoing needs for financial support and volunteer coverage, emphasizing that a crisis nursery must be properly prepared before it can take children in emergency situations.

Moore said the organization is asking residents and local organizations for help in several forms, including monetary contributions and donations. She also called for volunteers to step forward to support the day-to-day work involved in caring for children who may be referred to a crisis setting.

A crisis nursery is designed to provide short-term support for children during moments when families need immediate assistance. Moore’s comments underscore that community backing is a key component of the nursery model, including the resources required to build capacity and ensure continuity of care.

The nursery’s planning includes organizing enough people to cover required schedules and maintain operations once children are admitted. Moore indicated that without sufficient volunteer participation and funding, the organization cannot responsibly start the service it is working to deliver.

Moore also framed the situation as a timing issue, noting that the organization’s initial October goal depended on support arriving before opening. With that timeline now past, the nursery said it continues to work toward readiness while actively soliciting help from the public.

As of the Oct. 22 reporting date, the nursery had not announced a new opening date. The organization’s next steps include continuing outreach for donations and volunteer signups so it can meet the operational requirements needed to begin welcoming children.

The community response, Moore said, will determine how quickly the nursery can move from preparation to service, with the goal of providing timely assistance for children and families when emergencies arise.