Volunteers of America's new Early Childhood Education Center is open in Denver's Westwood neighborhood.
The center, at 320 S. Yates St., will more than double the number of children and families now served in VOA's early childhood education programs.
"The new facility is something we have been very excited about for some time," says Dianna Kunz, president and chief executive of VOA's Colorado branch. "Volunteers of America saw an unmet need in this community for education, and we are happy to be able to move forward with our plans to build this center for early childhood education."
The 11,425-square foot center includes five classrooms and is adjacent to a new affordable housing community where children and families who are eligible for Head Start services reside. The center will expand the number of children served by VOA's early childhood education classes from 68 to 170.
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Denver Office of Economic Development provided $620,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funding for property acquisition and related costs associated with construction of the $3.9 million center.
"Nothing is more impactful at lifting neighborhoods up than early childhood education options that provide a smart start for all children," says Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. "We are honored to partner with the Volunteers of America to boost education and empower our most vulnerable populations."
Through its youth and senior programs, Volunteers of America Colorado Branch has served southwest Denver residents for more than 30 years. Since 2001, VOA has operated a Denver Great Kids Head Start Delegate Center, providing early childhood education to preschool children below the poverty level.
Contact Confluence Denver Development News Editor Margaret Jackson with tips and leads for future stories at margaret@confluence-denver.com.
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