Our History

The GO Foundation was founded in 2024 by sisters Jessica Downey and Jeannie Owsley, in loving memory of Gwendolynn Owsley.

Our mission & vision reflect Gwendolynn’s heart for philanthropy and her deep compassion for at-risk youth. Gwen understood what research confirms: the earliest years of life, especially ages 0–3, are foundational. During this critical window, children develop the social, emotional, and cognitive building blocks that shape their future success.

The GO Foundation exists to invest in those early years — strengthening children, supporting families, and building a stronger LaGrange County.

Our Mission

The GO Foundation is dedicated to strengthening communities by offering innovative, high-quality childcare and resources that promote the lifelong well-being of children and their families. We will reintroduce community in early childhood education through play-based learning and fostering lasting relationships.

Leadership & Experience

The vision for the GO Foundation is led by Jessica Downey and Jeannie Owsley, who bring more than a decade of hands-on experience in early childhood education.

Since 2011, they have owned and operated Imagination Station Early Learning Daycare, providing high-quality care rooted in strong relationships, social-emotional learning, and an emergent, child-centered curriculum. Imagination Station is proudly accredited at Level 4 of Paths to QUALITY, Indiana’s highest quality rating system, and nationally recognized through the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC).

Throughout their leadership, Jessica and Jeannie have remained deeply committed to serving all families by participating in programs such as:

• Child Care Development Fund (CCDF)

• On My Way Pre-K

• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

Through years of daily, hands-on experience, they have witnessed both the transformative impact of high-quality early education and the urgent need for additional licensed childcare options in LaGrange County.

Our Vision

The GO Foundation’s vision is that every family would have access to affordable, high-quality early childhood care and education, resources, and the support needed to live a fulfilled life.

We are dedicated to providing high-quality education and support for families. In the future, the GO Foundation aims to provide a range of resources, including scholarships for childcare, parenting classes, mental health programs and more.