YWCA Selected as Childcare Partner at Hillview

YWCA La Crosse will operate a new daycare at Hillview Health Care Center for about 60 children as part of an intergenerational center that will share space with older adults. A $19.6 million remodel of Hillview, which is owned by La Crosse County, is currently underway and will include the intergenerational center, a first for the region. The center will feature childcare in a shared space with adults who have mild to moderate dementia.

“We are thrilled about this partnership, which addresses the critical need for affordable childcare in an innovative setting that also supports people with dementia and their caregivers,” said Rosanne Northwood, Executive Director of YWCA La Crosse. “This program has the potential to make a lasting impact on the community by bringing generations together in a truly meaningful way.”

The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of La Crosse County will lead the adult programming at the intergenerational center, with a potential transition to the YWCA at the end of the two-year pilot.

“This is a great opportunity to increase support for people with dementia who are living at home, a need that will only continue to grow,” said Carissa Pagel-Smith, ADRC Manager. “Interacting with children has been shown to have positive effects on older adults, and this program will also provide much-needed respite for caregivers.”

The YWCA already operates a childcare center on the Western Technical College campus, which will not be affected by the opening of the new center at Hillview. Some slots at the Hillview center will be reserved for children of county employees, but most are expected to be available to the public. The county’s Veterans, Aging & Long-Term Care Committee selected the YWCA as the childcare provider for the intergenerational center on Nov. 5, following a competitive process. The center is expected to open in December 2025. More information on how to access the center will be provided at that time.

La Crosse County’s remodel of Hillview will also include a new Community-Based Residential Facility, a Dementia Crisis Stabilization Unit, renovations to the existing nursing home, and 10 units of housing.