Junior League opens crisis nursery

Gov. Matt Blunt and wife, Melanie, were on hand for a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony for the crisis nursery, also called Isabel’s House, at 2750 W. Bennett St. Public tours will be given until 7 p.m. today.

The nursery provides child care for families facing a crisis in an effort to avoid neglect or abuse. Children 12 and under can be housed there for up to 30 days. Other services will include support to children’s caregivers, such as education, parenting skills workshops and referrals to other community agencies.

The $1.3 million project has been funded by $500,000 in state funds and a $168,000 grant from the Children’s Trust Fund, in addition to $490,000 in state tax credits.