Platteville United Methodist Church helps fill gap left by closed nonprofit

Southwest Wisconsin organizations are filling the gap left by the closure earlier this month of a prominent Platteville nonprofit, with a local church taking the lead. Family Connections of Southwest Wisconsin closed Oct. 3, citing inadequate grant funding that led first to reduced hours and staff before forcing a full closure. The nonprofit, founded in 2001, provided free educational programming and resources geared toward parents and children. About a week ago, Platteville United Methodist Church, 1065 Lancaster St., announced it would start up programming similar to that provided by Family Connections. The church is starting a new youth ministry named The Nest, consisting of a playgroup, parent programming and giving away cleaning, hygiene and diaper supplies. According to a social media post by Family Connections, the nonprofit donated its supplies not only to the church, but to several other nonprofits and organizations in Grant County.