DARLINGTON — After 24 years, Family Connections of Southwest Wisconsin closed operations Friday, Oct. 3.

The nonprofit provided services and support to families of young children in Grant and Lafayette counties through facilities in Platteville and Darlington.

Family Connections ceased operations due to a lack of funding, according to a social media post Wednesday.

Funding came from the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board, United Way of Platteville, the Platteville Thrift Shop, Optimist International and the Platteville and Darlington community funds. The organization applied for 75 grants, but received only two last spring. 

“Despite these efforts and the generosity of local donors, the funding simply isn’t enough to sustain the services,” the post said. “Unfortunately, a perfect storm of reduced support across multiple levels has made it impossible to keep the doors open. All available avenues have been explored to maintain staff and current programming.”

Family Connections hosted parenting classes, guided play groups, community resource information, car seat education and installation, and a community closet to provide basic hygiene items, household cleaning items and diapers.

The organization was located at Platteville United Methodist Church and in Darlington until the Darlington facility closed as part of budget cuts. Family Connections also reduced public hours and reduced staff.

Family Connections’ last event was a Play & Learn in Smith Park on Oct. 2.