In 1993 several Rotarians and community minded citizens joined together to form a non-profit organization designed to prevent child abuse and neglect through strengthening families under stress. The Nursery was formed as a result of two high-profile child abuse cases in Cottage Grove and was modeled after the nationally recognized Eugene (Oregon) Relief Nursery. This proven program which was started with an initial grant of $5,000 by our club was able to leverage over $180,000 in a federal start-up grant that lasted for three years. The nursery provides home based visits and early childhood therapeutic development for infants and toddlers through age 3 plus parenting classes and support. Since 1993, the Cottage Grove Rotary Club has contributed over $23,000 towards this project with Rotarians still on its Board. The Nursery has eight paid staff members with an annual budget of over $235,000 and they are currently serving 35 children.