The Chippewa Valley Post provides news of area nonprofit organizations in order to increase public awareness of their missions and activities, and to provide information that otherwise might not be made available.
Our “6 of Substance” series is part of this effort. It will present answers from nonprofit organizations, in their own words, to six questions we asked about who they are and what they do. The responses will be edited only for length, grammar and style concerns.
This series will be updated regularly to introduce Chippewa Valley residents to the many nonprofit organizations and people working to serve the needs of our area. If you have a favorite nonprofit organization that you’d like to see featured here, please let us know at cvpostwi@gmail.com.
Children’s Museum of Eau Claire
Who do you serve?
The Children’s Museum of Eau Claire (CMEC) serves kids ages 10 and under and their grown-ups, helping families learn together through play and child-directed exploration. Through hands-on exhibits and interactive programs, families have the opportunity to see, touch, learn and grow together. Our primary impact is accomplished through interaction with exhibits, especially through multiple, consistent visits to the Museum.
CMEC serves as a significant community resource, creating an impact on quality of life as it contributes not only to the vitality of downtown Eau Claire, but also the Chippewa Valley region. CMEC impacts communities within a 90-mile radius and in 2016 served a record 75,988 visitors while 1,533 families enrolled as members.
How long have you been established in the Chippewa Valley?
We’ve been creating an interactive environment for children and their grown-ups since opening our doors in December, 2004.
What are the major issues you will be facing over the next 18 months?
During the last few years, the Museum’s team of educators has focused on increasing and enhancing our programs for greater impact. As a result, we’ve also seen significant growth. While growth is definitely exciting, it also introduces the new challenge of sustaining that increase and impact. We are constantly looking at the best strategies for investing in our people and have increased staff to continue offering multiple high-quality program experiences. This has been implemented by balancing the cost of doing so against the need to keep the Museum experience affordable for families. Our hope is that people see the increased value and are willing to invest in their experience at their community’s Children’s Museum.
Aside from financial support, how can the Chippewa Valley Community support you?
Let people know we’re here! We are continually amazed at how many families don’t realize that such an amazing place exists right here in the middle of the Chippewa Valley, and we constantly advocate for the power and necessity of play in a child’s life. We also offer steeply discounted memberships for families with a variety of needs (financial needs, children with special needs, etc.) through our Play-for-all program and are working to let more families know that this type of assistance is available. Of course, making a visit to the Museum or attending one of our “fun”draising events like the Celebrity Art Gala on next Oct. 5 is a fantastic way to support the Museum’s exhibits, programs and outreach to kids who need us most.
Who are some of the key people in your organization?
Our leadership team consists of Michael McHorney, who serves as Executive Director; Phil Rechek, who serves as Director of Operations; and Jacqueline Van Hemert, who serves as Director of Programs and Marketing. But truly, the entire Museum team is key to our success, from our licensed educators (including the notable “Dr. Labcoat”) to our play-ologists to our maintenance technicians who insist that the Toddler Park stuffed animals are put in their cubbies facing out “so they can breathe!”
What is the most important thing about your organization that people should know, but don’t?
Because of our association with two really special organizations—the Association of Children’s Museums and the Association of Science and Technology Centers— families here in the Chippewa Valley have the option to purchase something called a “Passport Membership.” This annual membership not only offers unlimited admission to the Children’s Museum here in Eau Claire, but also discounted or free admission for your whole family to visit over 200 Children’s Museums and more than 600 Science and Technology Centers nationwide. Best of all, Wisconsin has THE most Children’s Museums per capita compared to other states, so you don’t even have to travel that far!
— by Jacqueline Van Hemert, Director of Programs & Marketing
If you would like more information about the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, visit www.childrensmuseumec.com.
To download a copy of the “6 of Substance” questionnaire, click here.
To see earlier “6 of Substance” listings, click here for the Archives.