Southwest Health is thrilled to announce that its childcare facility is now fully funded, thanks to a pivotal $2 million contribution from Governor Tony Evers and Senator Howard Marklein. This final funding commitment ensures that the long-anticipated project can move forward as planned, with groundbreaking scheduled for fall 2025 and doors opening to local families by fall 2026.

The project was first made possible by a $2,585,000 Congressionally Directed Spending Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture secured by Senator Baldwin. In April 2025, the Kaiser Family Foundation further boosted the effort with a generous $1 million donation. With today’s additional support from state leaders, the vision for a new childcare center to serve southwest Wisconsin is becoming a reality.

Once complete, the center will accommodate up to 140 children, offering high-quality care for both Southwest Health employees and members of the broader community. Owned by Southwest Health and operated by New Horizon Academy—a Minnesota-based childcare provider with more than 100 schools nationwide—this facility will deliver outstanding early childhood education and care. Since 1971, New Horizon Academy has been dedicated to nurturing each child’s sense of self and fostering lifelong learning.

“This essential resource will be a tremendous benefit to our staff and the families we serve across the region,” said Dan Rohrbach, Southwest Health CEO. “We are deeply grateful to Governor Evers, Senator Marklein, the USDA and Senator Baldwin, the Kaiser Family Foundation, and all who have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. Their support ensures we continue to meet the needs of our community in meaningful and lasting ways.”