In 2025, Encompass continued to thrive as a leader in early childhood education, deepening our impact across the northeast region through innovation, recognition, and strategic investment in our future. Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, we are preparing to expand our childcare services through a new partnership in 2026–2027, extending our mission to serve more children and families with high-quality early education. At the same time, as our current facilities age and demand continues to grow, we are exploring the feasibility of expanding our physical footprint to support sustainable growth and ensure our infrastructure remains safe, inspiring, and equipped for excellence. Encompass remains committed to providing high-quality education and care for children and support for families, grounded in our values of compassion, excellence, and advocacy, and with strong community support and a clear vision for the future, we are poised to deepen our impact and continue building brighter futures for children and families across our region.
Award-winning author and speaker John Maxwell once said, “Change is inevitable, growth is optional.” As I reflect on this past year, I believe Encompass has made an intentional choice not only to embrace change but to commit fully to continuous growth. This commitment has been evident in many ways, including reaching our highest enrollment to date with nearly 900 children each day and more than 1,100 annually. Across our eight centers, staff members have been thoughtful and creative in providing exceptional care, education, and support for children and families. Growth has also been made possible through the investment and impact of our donors, business and community partners, and dedicated Board members, each contributing in meaningful ways to enrich the lives of the children we serve. The year also brought meaningful recognition and support, including receiving the Greater Green Bay Chamber’s Large Growth Award, being honored for the Encompass Foster Grandparent Program at the Volunteer Awards Ceremony, and welcoming Governor Tony Evers to our De Pere location to see firsthand the outstanding care and education happening every day. On behalf of the Encompass Board, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the many people across the Encompass community, including the families who trust us with the care and education of their children, the incredible staff whose dedication, compassion, and excellence nurture and teach our children each day, and the donors, community partners, and volunteers who share their time, talents, and resources so generously. Together as an Encompass community, we are not only embracing change, we are growing stronger because of it.
“Supporting Encompass means investing in our community’s future. When children have a safe, nurturing place to learn and grow, families thrive and our entire region becomes stronger.”
Developed in partnership with Leadership Green Bay, and supported by generous food partners including Biebel’s Catering, the Encompass Family Fridge offers healthy meal options in a convenient, welcoming and judgment-free space. The fridge is open to anyone in the Encompass community who may need a little extra support.
The Family Fridge is stocked regularly with fresh items such as fruit, cheese, yogurt and simple meals. As the program grows, we look forward to expanding partnerships and tracking impact through food donations, usage trends and stories from families who benefit.
Eat well. Dream big. That’s the vision behind the Encompass Family Fridge, and we’re just getting started.
This recognition is a testament to the hard work, innovation, and dedication of our incredible team—and the support of our amazing donors, partners, and community.
A heartfelt thank you to the Greater Green Bay Chamber for this honor. We’re proud to be part of a community that values and celebrates growth, collaboration, and impact.
To everyone who has been part of our journey: thank you for helping us grow. And we wish to congratulate all the other amazing organizations that were winners and nominees along side us.
“With strong community support and a clear vision for the future, Encompass is poised to deepen our impact and continue building brighter futures for children and families across our region.”
Oconto County Health & Human Services has been a valued community partner in Encompass’ efforts to expand access to high-quality early education and care for families in rural communities. When Encompass began exploring opportunities to bring childcare to Oconto Falls, their team recognized the importance of addressing the region’s childcare shortage and stepped forward to collaborate on solutions. Through their leadership and a $250,000 ARPA investment, Oconto County Health & Human Services partnered with Encompass to secure the building at 650 E. Jackson Street, making it possible to expand childcare availability in a community previously designated as a childcare desert. That partnership continues today through ongoing collaboration to support children and families, including hosting a monthly WIC satellite site at the Encompass Oconto Falls center and connecting families to critical health and support services. In recognition of their leadership and commitment to strengthening families and communities, Encompass honored Oconto County Health & Human Services with the Heart of the Community Award at the 2025 Encompass Annual Celebration.
Mark and Julie Kasper have quickly become passionate champions for children and families served by Encompass. Guided by a deep belief in the power of early education, their generosity and vision have made a meaningful difference for families in our community. In 2025, their support for tuition assistance helped make high-quality childcare possible for 55 children, easing the financial burden for families while ensuring children had access to a safe, nurturing environment where they could learn and grow. Mark and Julie also played an important role as early supporters of Encompass’ expansion to Oconto Falls, recognizing the opportunity to bring much-needed childcare access to a rural community. Through their leadership and commitment to children, they are helping strengthen families and shape brighter futures across our region. In recognition of their impact, Encompass honored Mark and Julie Kasper with the Children’s Champion Award at the 2025 Encompass Annual Celebration.
The Foster Grandparent Program joins together two generations: seniors and children. The program enhances the quality of life for seniors and gives them a sense of purpose. The Foster Grandparent’s presence in the classroom gives parents and children an extra sense of security. The children have a consistent grandparent figure who mentors and encourages them in social play and classroom activities. What a win-win-win situation for Encompass, the children and seniors!
Some of a Foster Grandparent’s responsibilities might include working with children who need extra attention, rocking infants, reading to toddlers, assisting at mealtimes, accompanying children on walks and field trips, if able, and being an all-around grandparent role model.
Our Annual Staff Professional Development Day was a powerful celebration of learning and connection. We were honored to welcome keynote speaker Mitch Factor, whose uplifting message centered on building and sustaining a positive work culture. Through humor, insight, and practical strategies, he reminded us that the tone we set each day matters, and that strong, joyful workplaces are created intentionally.
The day continued with a variety of breakout sessions led by Encompass leadership and valued community experts, including professors from NWTC, YoungStar trainers, and local school district coaches. Topics ranged from engaging literacy practices and fostering inclusive environments to Conscious Discipline strategies and other tools that strengthen our work with children and families. Each session reflected our shared commitment to growth, collaboration, and excellence in early education.
Together, the day reaffirmed what makes Encompass special: a team dedicated not only to professional learning, but to creating supportive, inclusive spaces where both children and adults can thrive.
2025 All Staff Professional Development Day at NWTC.
Encompass continues to invest in building a strong, stable workforce by offering clear career pathways and meaningful professional development opportunities. In a year when early childhood staffing shortages remained a national challenge, Encompass supported more than 29 TEACH scholarships and invested over $125,000 in staff education and training, along with an additional $17,343 in conference participation. Today, 85% of Encompass educators either hold or are actively working toward a college degree, and every educator participates in annual professional development.
Our commitment to quality begins before a candidate is hired. All applicants receive guidance on meeting licensing, YoungStar, and NAEYC credential expectations, resulting in 100% of new hires completing required credentialing before their first day. Once onboarded, staff participate in a structured professional development program led by our Curriculum team, strengthening classroom practice, leadership skills, and curriculum implementation.
In 2025, Encompass delivered extensive professional learning across the organization, including:
• 148+ professional development sessions across training, leadership development, and curriculum implementation
• 3,749 hours of staff learning and training delivered
• 1,005 staff learning experiences across the organization
• $125,441 invested in education and training and $17,343 in conference participation
• 29+ TEACH scholarships supporting educators pursuing degrees and credentials
These investments reduce barriers to advancement, strengthen retention, and cultivate a workforce committed to excellence. Many Encompass team members have advanced from classroom teaching roles into leadership positions across the organization, reinforcing our commitment to developing talent from within.
When we invest in our educators, we strengthen the quality of care children receive every day, ensuring that every child at Encompass has the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a strong foundation for the future.
