The YMCA Cape Cod is proud to unveil its newest early education center on Stevens Street in Hyannis on Friday, Sept. 22, at a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m.
This new center has a licensed capacity for 60 children from newborns to age 5, including children enrolled in Early Head Start and Head Start programs. This occasion marks a significant milestone for the YMCA Cape Cod, achieved through a $1 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Early Education and Out of School Time (EEOST) Capital Fund in 2019.
Amy Kershaw, Commissioner of the Department of Early Education and Care, Theresa Jordan, Program Manager of the Children’s Investment Fund, an affiliate of Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) will join Stacie Peugh, President and CEO of the YMCA Cape Cod (the Y), and other local elected officials at the ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday. Kershaw will be a featured speaker at the event.
“Over the last five years, we have turned a vision into a reality, demonstrating the incredible impact we can achieve when we unite for a common purpose, and what better purpose could there be than supporting the children and families of our communities?” said Peugh. “This early education center is the result of the tireless dedication and cooperation between different government agencies, selfless volunteers, and diligent contractors. It embodies the spirit of teamwork, and it is a testament to what can be accomplished when diverse stakeholders come together to benefit our community. We look forward to the positive impact it will have on our community for years to come.”
YMCA Cape Cod received a $1 million grant from the Commonwealth through its Early Education and Out of School Time (EEOST) Capital Fund in 2019. The fund was established toprovide grants to child care programs for facility developments and improvements that support positive outcomes for children by providing high-quality environments and settings that support their learning and development.The fund is administered by the Department of Early Education and Care in partnership withthe Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation, and its affiliate, the Children’s Investment Fund. To date, $54.1 million has been awarded to 110 projects that serve 13,000 children and leveraged $248 million in additional public and private investment.
The YMCA Cape Cod has been the sole provider of Early Head Start and Head Start programs on Cape Cod, since December of 2020, with about 50 percent of children enrolled in YMCA early education programs qualifying for Head Start. Ensuring all children receive access to quality, affordable, early education is a vital aspect of the YMCA’s mission. About one third of the children enrolled at the new center receive Head Start programming.
The YMCA also acknowledged the contributions from the Cape Cod 5 Foundation, The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod, Williams Building Company, the Michael H. Cole Charitable Giving Fund, Children’s Investment Fund, and the Office of Head Start.
