(Joplin, MO) – Lafayette House is proud to announce the opening of Second Steps, a new child care center designed to provide comprehensive early childhood services to families in southwest Missouri. This innovative program serves two critical populations: children of Lafayette House clients receiving services for domestic violence, sexual assault, or substance use disorders, and subsidy-eligible families throughout the community.
The community is invited to celebrate this wonderful event with Lafayette House, located at 1809 S. Connor Avenue in Joplin through several upcoming events:
- Ribbon Cutting Ceremony — Monday, June 9, 2025 @ 2:00 pm
- Open House — Tuesday, June 10, 2025 @ 4:30 to 6:30 pm (for families currently enrolled or interested in enrolling)
- First Day of Classes — Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Second Steps provides care for children ranging from six weeks to five years old, offering Lafayette House clients essential support during their recovery journey, while also extending services to community families with children ages two to five who qualify for state childcare subsidies. The center operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, providing full-day care that accommodates working families’ schedules.
“Every child deserves the best possible start in life. We’ve designed our programs and selected our staff with one priority in mind: giving each child the individual attention and care they need to thrive,” said Sarah Jones, Director of Childcare at Lafayette House.
“Second Steps represents a vital expansion of our mission to strengthen families and communities,” said Jenifer Staab, Chief Financial Officer of Lafayette House. “For our clients who are working toward recovery from trauma or substance use disorders, having reliable, nurturing childcare removes a significant barrier to accessing treatment and rebuilding their lives. Simultaneously, by serving subsidy-eligible families in our community, we’re addressing a critical need for quality, affordable childcare that supports working families throughout Southwest Missouri.”
The center’s mission reflects Lafayette House’s comprehensive approach to family wellness: to enhance the lives of those in need by working together to inspire the children in our care, empower families and strengthen our community. Second Steps will provide children with a supportive, safe, and nurturing environment that gives them the opportunity to participate in a wide range of hands-on experiences from which to grow through exploration and creativity.
Understanding that proper nutrition is fundamental to child development, Second Steps provides nutritious, well-balanced meals including breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. This ensures that children receive the fuel they need for learning and growth throughout their day at the center.
The opening of Second Steps addresses two significant community needs simultaneously. For Lafayette House clients, the availability of on-site or nearby childcare eliminates one of the most common obstacles to seeking help for domestic violence, sexual assault, or substance use disorders. Parents can focus on their healing and recovery knowing their children are safe and well-cared for in a trauma-informed environment. For the broader community, Second Steps helps fill the gap in affordable, quality childcare options for families who qualify for state subsidies. This service supports working families by providing reliable care that enables parents to maintain employment while ensuring their children receive quality early childhood education and care.
Families interested in enrolling their children at Second Steps are encouraged to contact Sarah Jones, Director of Childcare, at 417.782.1772 or via email at sarahjones@lafayettehouse.org. The center welcomes inquiries from both Lafayette House clients and community families who may be eligible for childcare assistance programs.
Lafayette House extends its gratitude to the community supporters who have made Second Steps possible, recognizing that this new program represents a collaborative investment in the wellbeing of families throughout southwest Missouri.
About Lafayette House:
Lafayette House is a private non-profit organization serving adults, children, and families experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or substance use disorders. The organization serves 1,200 people each year from a seven-county area in southwest Missouri.
Reference:
Chelsea Conley, Development Director
Lafayette House
417.782.1772
chelseaconley@lafayettehouse.org
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