First 5 Family Resource Center nears fundraising goal as October opening approaches

Jasmine Xiong says parenting is tough enough, but trying to go it alone can make it overwhelming at times.

Xiong is a ‘parent ambassador’ at the soon-to-open First 5 Fox Valley Family Resource Center in the former Trout Museum building at Houdini Plaza.

“I hope parents know that it's okay to ask questions and it's okay to lean on others,” she said. “It's okay to accept help. Whether your child is meeting every milestone, facing developmental challenges, or you're simply just trying to figure out your next step, you are welcome, and you belong here.” 

Jon Stellmacher, who co-chairs the Fundraising Campaign Committee with Peter Kelly and Dean Gruner, reports that all but the final 10 percent of the project’s $8 million fundraising goal has been met.

Stellmacher was part of the initial deam team that envisioned the new Center. “Like so many of you, our family has been investing in this community for many years, through our volunteer involvement and through our financial support,” he said. “Part of that is because so much of what we've enjoyed growing up, growing our families here, benefiting from what others have done before us. Right now, this is a chance to leave a legacy of sorts and be a part of creating that future for current and future families in our community.”

Xiong and Stellmacher were on hand, along with other members of the First 5 team, to update the community on the Family Resource Center’s progress as it gears up for an Oct. 10 grand opening.

The First 5 Fox Valley Family Resource Center was a collaborative project from the beginning. It started as a dream of the Fox Valley Early Childhood Coalition, whose goal was to support families and children while creating a stronger community. Under the early leadership of Wendy Hein, Tracey Ratzburg, Judy Olson, and Stellmacher, the dream team formulated a vision that eventually resulted in the First 5 Fox Valley Family Resource Center. 

Initial steps included community conversations led by Imagine Fox Cities, where community members expressed their desire for a family-oriented community where everyone belonged. 

Sharing the vision and need with community leaders and elected officials was the next important step. Several grants were awarded. Outagamie County allocated $2 million of its ARPA funds towards the purchase of the building, planning, and initial staffing.  The City of Appleton allocated $750,000 toward construction. Recently, the Center was awarded a $2 million local project grant from the State of Wisconsin.

Today the list of grant sponsors, financial donors, business investors, community donors, and organization partners is extensive. In all, public and private donations and grants brought the Center up to 90% of its $8 million financial goal.   Now the Center is reaching out to the community to help them reach the top.

“Community assets like these each take a vision, a team with persistence, and a supportive community,” said Nancy Jones, F5FV Board President. “This is a story of public/private partnership." 

The public is invited to register on the First Five Fox Valley website for upcoming building tours and information sessions.

What is it all about?

Barb Tengesdal, Executive Director of First 5 Fox Valley, said that what makes First 5 Family Resource Center unique and exciting is that it will host various child-support organizations as on-site partners, leading to “even deeper collaboration to build a community where all children and families can thrive.”

One of the partner organizations is Help and Grow, which provides free developmental screenings and support for children and families.  So far in 2026, Help Me Grow completed 2,239 developmental screenings.

Other partner organizations include Hope and Help Together, Samaritan Counseling, and Casa Hispana.  In addition, the Family Resource Center will offer an in-house early learning center, interactive play spaces, a diaper bank, and even a gift store.

There are a number of other nearby community resources, which makes the Houdini Plaza location in downtown Appleton ideal.  Partners within walking distance include the Building for Kids, the Appleton Public Library, Pillars, and the Literacy Coalition.

“Today isn't just about the opening of a new building; it's the beginning of new relationships, new opportunities, and a new hope for families throughout our community,” said Xiong.  “I hope children grow up and know that their families have communities standing beside them.

"Supporting families starts long before there's a crisis. Sometimes what a parent needs is simply someone who will listen and encourage them and remind them that they're doing better than they think they are. Being here at First 5 Fox Valley has shown me what is possible when parents, professionals, organizations, and community leaders come together with a shared purpose.”