Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Catholic Charities of Louisville has officially opened its Children’s Space, one of the final touches completed recently in the new Catholic Charities Center in downtown Louisville. The space includes a playroom and a small playground. Agency staff provide child care in these areas while parents take language classes downstairs.

“For refugees and immigrants, learning English is essential to their ability to become self-sufficient,” said an announcement about the space. “We help make that possible by watching their children in a loving and safe environment so they can focus on learning.”

“Childcare isn’t always available to these families, so this part of our mission overcomes that obstacle,” the announcement added.

The mulched playground includes various natural elements, such as a log used as a balance beam and tree stumps that create steps of different heights. A percussion wall features household items like pots and pans, along with colorful pipes for making music and keeping rhythm.

Assistant childcare volunteers are needed Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Volunteers must be age 18 or over and undergo a background check and safe environment training. Regular volunteers are preferred, but one-time help is welcome.

For more information about volunteering, contact Karen Pate at kpate@archlou.org.