In December 2019, Culpeper Wellness Foundation donated to the Madison Learning Center (MLC) the building owned by the Foundation at 634 South Main Street in Madison where the center has been located for several years. “Madison Learning Center recently received its own incorporation, federal non-profit status, and new license from the state’s Department of Social Services,” noted Shari Landry, Foundation president. “What better way to support this non-profit and celebrate their new chapter than by giving them equity in the building they call home?”
MLC was created in August 2014 through the sponsorship of the non-profit Madison Emergency Services Association (MLC is no longer under MESA). The only licensed child care center in Madison, MLC serves children from infancy to school age from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, including before and after school care. “With the very generous donation of the building, Madison Learning Center will be able to continue our mission of providing quality services for children and families,” commented Frances Lacy, MLC board chair.
According to Landry, MLC will continue to be eligible for wellness grants from the Foundation. She added, “We recognize the critical service that MLC is providing to local families. Without it, families would lose a network of support. Children in the care of MLC staff during the day are enjoying fun activities and making friends while their parents are able to work and support their family’s needs, confident their child is receiving quality care.” In recent years, the Foundation has awarded grants to MLC for programming and equipment.
Culpeper Wellness Foundation took ownership of the building housing MLC in October 2014 as part of a reorganization following the sale of Culpeper Medical Center, the previous owner of the building. The Foundation invests its time and resources in community initiatives that improve health and wellness in Culpeper, Madison, and Orange counties. In addition to community grant making, the Foundation operates the Free Clinic of Culpeper, Culpeper Sport & Fitness and Powell Wellness Center (culpeperwellnessfoundation.org).