First Steps with Abbey Groundbreaking

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

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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.