Strength and Shelter for Those Who Nurture
Groundspring is an initiative of First Presbyterian Church of LaGrange which provides a free housing benefit for early childhood education workers at its onsite school. Groundspring was established in 2025 as a pilot partnership between the congregation and local nonprofit, Dependable Affordable Sustainable Housing (or DASH). Groundspring is modeled after a housing initiative established by Friends Center for Children in New Haven, CT. As such, Groundspring is the second program nationwide to provide a rent-free housing benefit for its early childhood teachers.
Isaiah 58:11 (NRSV)
“The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.”
Groundspring is a bold expression of faith in action — where hospitality, justice, and education meet. Rooted in the mission of First Presbyterian Church of LaGrange, Groundspring provides a rent-free housing benefit to early childhood educators, affirming their vital role in shaping the future of our community.
The mission of Groundspring is to remove a childcare worker’s largest monthly expense, thereby allowing them to reach their financial goals. The vision of Groundspring is to foster an environment within which all of our teachers may thrive — both at home and at work.