SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Square One, a non-profit organization, is providing financial relief to families by waiving childcare fees for November amid the ongoing government shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history.

The relief, amounting to $15,000, is made possible through a reserve fund gifted by Health New England. This initiative aims to support families struggling financially due to the shutdown, with 75% of Square One's families receiving SNAP benefits.

"So that parents don't have to choose between spending money on food for their children and paying their bills, we want to ease that burden on them a bit," said Kristine Allard, VP of Development & Communications at Square One.

Square One provides early education, care, and family support to 1,500 families each year. Despite the

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