Albertsons Donates $2M to YMCA Early Education Center in Boise

The donation will fund the Kissler Family Early Education Center, Idaho's first employer co-op child care facility.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation has donated $2 million to the Treasure Valley Family YMCA to help advance the construction of the Kissler Family Early Education Center in downtown Boise. The new center, slated to open in fall 2027, will accommodate 124 children and be Idaho's first employer co-op child care facility.

Why it matters

The donation will significantly expand child care availability in downtown Boise and help address one of the most important needs of working families in the region. The YMCA project is designed as a place for health, education and social connection, with the Early Education Center serving families within the downtown area and surrounding region.

The details

The $2 million donation from the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation will fund the construction of the Kissler Family Early Education Center, which will be located adjacent to the main YMCA campus in downtown Boise. The center is touted as being able to accommodate 124 children and will be the state's first employer co-op child care facility, with the YMCA partnering with local businesses to offer a more flexible child care solution.

  • The Kissler Family Early Education Center is slated to open in fall 2027.
  • The overall $80 million YMCA project is currently in the design phase.

The players

Treasure Valley Family YMCA

A community-based nonprofit organization that provides health, education and social connection services in the Boise area.

J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation

A philanthropic organization that has donated $2 million to the Treasure Valley Family YMCA to fund the construction of the Kissler Family Early Education Center.

David Duro

The president and CEO of the Treasure Valley Family YMCA.

Roger Quarles

The executive director of the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation.

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What they’re saying

“This gift is a powerful statement about the importance of investing early — both in children and in the systems that support families. JKAF's generosity will help ensure more children have access to safe, nurturing, high-quality early learning while strengthening the foundation of our community for generations to come.”

— David Duro, President and CEO, Treasure Valley Family YMCA (idahobusinessreview.com)

“We believe deeply in supporting children at the very beginning of their educational journey. High-quality early childhood education creates opportunity that lasts a lifetime, and we're proud to partner with the YMCA on a project that puts children, families and community well-being at the center.”

— Roger Quarles, Executive Director, J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation (idahobusinessreview.com)

What’s next

The Kissler Family Early Education Center is slated to open in fall 2027 as part of the overall $80 million YMCA project in downtown Boise.

The takeaway

This donation from the Albertson Family Foundation demonstrates the importance of investing in early childhood education and supporting working families in the Boise community. The new employer co-op child care center will help address a critical need and strengthen the foundation of the community for generations to come.