YWCA Grand Island’s new child development center to be named in honor of Marval Hornady

Photo Credit: YWCA Grand Island

GRAND ISLAND, NE  – YWCA Grand Island is thrilled to announce a significant contribution of $1 million from Hornady Manufacturing towards its “Building Brighter Futures” Capital Campaign. This pledge will name the new Child Development Center in honor of Marval Hornady, directly supporting the expansion of crucial childcare and community services. Marval was a proud supporter of the YWCA and in 1986 was recognized as the first Woman of Distinction.

In addition to the company’s generous commitment to the Child Development Center, the Hornady family is also gifting $250,000 and naming the outdoor playground in honor of Marval and Joyce Hornady. This additional contribution further underscores the family's dedication to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children in Grand Island.

“Marval Hornady, my mother, was an integral part of not just our company, but the Grand Island community,” said Steve Hornady, President at Hornady. “She believed in giving back, she believed in empowerment, and she believed in helping others.  We still hold those values today.  Hornady and the Hornady family is proud to pledge these funds to the Building Brighter Futures Campaign and are incredibly grateful that her name is being honored in the naming of the new Child Development Center and playground,” he added.

The “Building Brighter Futures” Capital Campaign, launched on January 20th, 2025, aims to raise $6 million to address the childcare shortage in Hall County and expand the YWCA’s impactful community initiatives. The renovation of the new location at 315 Wyandotte Ave. (the former Starr Elementary) will enable the YWCA to more than double its childcare capacity, growing from serving 115 children to an estimated 300.

 “We are deeply grateful to Hornady Manufacturing for their incredible generosity and commitment to the Grand Island community. YWCA is also honored to memorialize the incredible contributions Marval Hornady made to our organization in the past.  It is only fitting her name be used for our future” said Amy Bennett, Executive Director of the YWCA Grand Island. “This landmark donation of $1 million is a game-changer for our ‘Building Brighter Futures’ campaign.”

According to a Nebraska Department of Labor workforce study, Grand Island is the Nebraska city with the greatest gap between estimated childcare needs and availability. There are an estimated 1,450 fewer childcare slots than needed for children under 6 with working parents.   In that same study, 58.3% of respondents in Grand Island with children under 6 identified childcare as a barrier to employment.  As one of the largest employers in Grand Island, Hornady recognizes the importance of accessible quality childcare and the impact it has on strengthening the workforce.

“Hornady’s significant investment in the “Building Brighter Futures” Capital Campaign will directly enable the YWCA to expand vital childcare services, empowering parents and nurturing the next generation,” Bennett said.

The generous contribution from Hornady Manufacturing underscores their deep commitment to supporting families in the Grand Island community.  The YWCA Grand Island extends its sincere gratitude for Hornady’s visionary partnership and dedication to building a stronger, more supportive environment for all families in our community.

The YWCA Grand Island invites the community to join Hornady Manufacturing in supporting the “Building Brighter Futures” Capital Campaign. For more information on the campaign and how to contribute, please contact Amanda Moritz, Development Coordinator, at the information below or visit www.ywca-gi.org.