Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery

Chriss Wilson, left, and Jen McMillin

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Established: 1989
Owner: MOCN Board of Directors
Employees: 11
Services: nonprofit

In the 1980s, Marinda “Mini” O’Beirne fell in love with the idea of preventing child abuse through crisis nursery services. These were not readily available in Sangamon County, so O’Beirne spent two years planning a way to bring those services here. Unfortunately, she died of cancer in 1988. However, a steering committee formed to carry out her dream and made it official on May 15, 1989. “We are a nonprofit social-service agency,” said Jen McMillin, executive director. There is no charge for care, so the nursery depends on financial support from the Illinois Department of Child & Family Services, Illinois Department of Human Services, corporate and local grants, fundraising through special events and contributions from businesses, community organizations and individuals. “Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery feels like a second home to me, and I hope our co-workers, family and friends feel the same way,” said McMillin.