First Steps with Abbey Groundbreaking
- First Steps Centers
- Jun 16
- 1 min read

Breaking Ground with Gratitude alongside St. Benedict's Abbey
On a beautiful Monday morning, we officially broke ground on the future of First Steps with Abbey! This milestone is the result of years of prayer, planning, and powerful partnerships — and it was an honor to celebrate with so many of the leaders who helped make it possible.
Sara Bloom – Quality Places Manager, KS Department of Commerce
LaRochelle Young – Mayor, City of Atchison
Katherine Harris – Director, First Steps Childhood Learning Center
Melissa Rooker – Executive Director, KS Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund
Senator Dinah Sikes – KS Senate Minority Leader & Children’s Cabinet Trustee
Nina Ostertag – Director, First Steps Childcare Center
Abbot James Albers – St. Benedict’s Abbey
Dr. John Eplee – Former State Representative
Senator Jeff Klemp
Pat George – Former KS Secretary of Commerce
Bill Murphy - City Commissioner
To every official, parent, and partner who stood beside us — your belief in accessible, high-quality early childhood education is what fuels this mission. We are especially grateful to St. Benedict’s Abbey, the Children’s Cabinet, and our local leaders for helping bring this expansion to life.
With God’s guidance, we move forward — rooted in faith, growing in love, and building brighter beginnings for the children of Atchison.







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