In a region where childcare is scarce, Roberta Hochgeschurz-Wilson is helping change the story. With more than three decades of experience, she leads the Klamath KID Center in creating opportunities that strengthen families and build brighter futures.
Her career spanned roles as a youth librarian for the Klamath County Library Service District and as site coordinator for the Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC). In August 2024, Roberta returned to Klamath County to lead the Klamath KID Center, where she continues to make a difference.
The Klamath KID Center’s programs may sound familiar, serving children from six weeks old through age twelve, but in a region considered a “childcare desert,” these offerings are essential. Few facilities in the area provide infant care, making the center a lifeline for families who need reliable, high-quality childcare. The center offers multiple programs and flexible options for parents, including before and after school care with transportation to some county schools and a summer program for school-age children.
Behind these programs is a dedicated team of 18 staff members, including Roberta, and a group of 15 volunteers known as the Friends of the Klamath KID Center. Roberta says, “Working for the Klamath KID Center aligns with my life mission to serve people. Showing up each day with hands and a heart to serve. I love working with children.”
Recently, the Avista Foundation stepped in with a grant that will help the nonprofit fulfill a critical goal: adding two new classrooms. This expansion will allow 16 children in the infant and toddler program to move into a new clubhouse, freeing up space for 10 additional children who have been waiting patiently on the center’s growing waitlist. For families in Klamath Falls, this means more opportunities for early learning and care, something that can have a lasting impact on a child’s development and a parent’s ability to work.
The center often operates at full capacity, especially during the summer months, underscoring the urgent need for more childcare options in the community. By supporting this expansion, Avista Foundation is helping address a pressing local challenge and investing in the future of Klamath Falls.
Looking ahead, Roberta envisions even bigger possibilities. Her long-term goal is to create a community center that bridges generations, a space where children, college and career age community members, parents, and seniors can come together. While the town has a senior center and the library offers some all-ages programs, there is no single location that fosters intergenerational connections. “There is definitely a need in Klamath Falls for that type of program,” Roberta says.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. The biggest struggles for the center are finding qualified staff and managing operating costs. Roberta reflects on her role with pride: “It is an honor to serve as the Executive Director of the Klamath KID Center. We are excited to launch the Clubhouse project to create more childcare slots.”
With partners like Avista Foundation and the dedication of leaders like Roberta Hochgeschurz-Wilson, the Klamath KID Center is not just expanding classrooms. It is expanding opportunities, strengthening families, and building a stronger community for generations to come.