HANCOCK — Copper Shores Community Health Foundation and Keweenaw Health Foundation announced they are pleased to support BHK Child Development Board with $50,000 for its K-5 Summer Enrichment Program. This program will help BHK provide a lifeline to families in Houghton and Keweenaw counties struggling to find affordable summer child care by expanding access to full-time, high-quality care during the critical summer months.

The area currently faces a severe shortage of affordable child care, particularly during the summer when limited full-time options are available in the two counties. With funding for such programs in decline, BHK has faced increasing difficulty offering services at rates that are accessible to working families.

“We believe that investing in our children means investing in the health of our whole community,” said Jenn Jenich-Laplander, executive director of Keweenaw Health Foundation. “We’re proud to contribute in support of the BHK Summer Enrichment Program and to collaborate with Copper Shores Community Health Foundation in making this impactful program possible. Together, we’re helping create a safe, engaging space where kids can explore, learn and build lasting connections throughout the summer.”

BHK’s summer child care program will run Monday through Thursday from June 23 to August 14 at CLK Elementary School. Open nine hours a day, the program will offer well-balanced meals, social-emotional support, and hands-on academic games and activities aimed at combating summer learning loss.

“Here at BHK we believe that all children deserve a safe, enriching environment where they can explore, grow and build relationships during out-of-school time hours,” said BHK Youth Services Director Melissa Parker. “We are honored to receive this generous support from Copper Shores Community Health Foundation and Keweenaw Health Foundation to provide a high-quality summer enrichment program for children in our community. This funding helps us create a safe, supportive, and fun environment that supports the academic, social and emotional development of the children in our care.”

Funding will make it possible to offer the program at a more affordable rate, helping address the region’s growing child care problem while investing in the long-term success of local children.

Registration is currently open for the program. For more information visit bhkfirst.org or contact Melissa Parker at 906-487-6600, ext. 61424, or emailing ge@bhkfirst.org.