The need for organized childcare in Greenburgh, NY, became evident in 1960 when the census revealed that 55 percent of the women in the Fairview community were employed. Yet, they had to scramble for childcare solutions for their young children. In an inspiring example, June Castleberry, a community resident and member of Union Baptist Church, took it upon herself to provide childcare for seventeen children, ranging from infants to nine-year-olds, in her own home. These children would later become the first to enroll when the Union Child Day Care Center (UCDCC) opened its doors in 1966. Reverend Charles H. Churn, the Pastor of Union Baptist Church on Manhattan Avenue at the time and an early advocate for daycare, generously offered the basement of his church as a location for the daycare program, with Ms. Castleberry as its first staff member.
This remarkable endeavor was made possible through the unwavering commitment of an active community committee led by Mrs. Marion Goodman, former Chairperson of the Office of Economic Opportunity Task Force on Day Care, in collaboration with Phyllis Shearer, former Director of the Westchester Community Opportunity Program. Support also came from "seeding funds" provided by a private family foundation.
In its second year, UCDCC joined the Westchester Community Opportunity Program and received Federal Head Start funds, significantly offsetting operational costs. In 1968, Union Child Day Care Center was officially incorporated under New York State Department of Social Welfare regulations. Remarkably, UCDCC was among the pioneers participating in a pilot program to evaluate the effects of group daycare for infants. This led to it becoming the first center licensed for infant care in New York State.
By 1969, the Union Child Day Care Center had outgrown its church premises. The available space proved inadequate to accommodate the increasing number of children needing care, prompting discussions about a new facility. The center secured a loan under the New York State Youth Facility Act to construct a new center. In 1972, the center celebrated the arrival of its first child at the new location, where it still operates today.
In the face of financial challenges related to repaying its loan, the Board of Directors, under the leadership of Barbara Holland and Executive Director Rita Hulkower, engaged with Greenburgh Town Supervisor Anthony Veteran and Lois Bronz, then a member of the Town Board. Together, they negotiated with the state of New York to facilitate the Town's purchase of the center's building for one dollar. This agreement, finalized in 1987, stipulated that UCDCC could operate a childcare center in the building for 99 years.
In 2000, the Board of Directors embarked on a comprehensive Strategic Plan aimed at strengthening the center's educational focus, enhancing the curriculum, expanding parenting support services, and fortifying the Center's administrative infrastructure and fundraising endeavors. As part of this plan, the center underwent a name change in 2006, honoring County Legislator Lois Bronz.
Throughout its history, the center has thrived due to the invaluable contributions and unwavering dedication of numerous volunteers. Lois Bronz, a pivotal figure in the center's journey, was chosen for her many years on the Board, her founding and leadership of the Phone-a-thon, a significant fundraiser for 25 years, and her continuous advocacy for all children. Despite her rising political career and prominence in the community, she has remained a steadfast supporter of the center, which proudly bears the name "The Lois Bronz Children's Center."
