State Funds Enhance Child Care Services, Afterschool Programs, Workforce Training, and Comprehensive Family Support Systems
Complements Governor’s Commitment to Expanding Affordable Child Care Options for New York Families
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center’s new $3.3 million facility in the Town of Southampton, Long Island. Situated on six acres donated to create BHCCRC in the early 1950s, the state-of-the-art, 7,828-square-foot building marks a significant milestone in expanding vital services and serving lower-income working families living on Long Island’s East End. With a focus on affordable child care, enriching summer programs, and diverse recreational activities, BHCCRC empowers families and children while fostering social development.
"This new facility will help expand access to the high-quality child care options and educational programs families in East End and across Long Island deserve," Governor Hochul said. "By investing in this state-of-the-art facility, we are investing in working parents and giving them the support they need to remain in the workforce while providing their kids with academic enrichment and care.”
The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center (BHCCRC), a historically Black, community-based institution, has been a beacon of support for marginalized East End children and working families for generations. BHCCRC offers flexible scheduling options, workforce training, enriching after-school programs, summer and teen programs, college prep classes, and a food pantry. Featuring multiple classrooms, a computer lab, tutoring spaces, offices, additional bathrooms, community space, and a kitchen, the new Center will promote an inclusive and nurturing environment for learning, growth, and social development. With an increased capacity, BHCCRC will be able to serve more children and families, strengthening the East End community by providing essential education, enrichment, child care, and support to those who need it the most.
As a cornerstone of the East End community, BHCCRC promotes the well-being and sustainable growth of the region. Empire State Development is supporting the new Center with a $300,000 grant, recommended by the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council, reflecting New York State's commitment to promoting social equity and expanding economic opportunities for underserved communities across the State.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "A thriving economy is tied to a workforce equipped with accessible child care options. The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center's new facility will bolster support for families and their children, contributing to a stronger local economy while supporting the vibrancy of the East End community.”
The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center stands as a vital foundation of support for families and children residing in the East End of Long Island. New York State's support for organizations like Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center is crucial in fostering equity and prosperity across the State. By investing in early childhood education and afterschool programs, workforce participation, and comprehensive family support, New York is laying the foundation to uplift lower-income working families, promote social mobility, and foster stronger, more cohesive communities.
The completion of Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center also underscores Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to providing quality child care options for New York families. As part of the FY 2024 Budget, the Governor secured a four-year, $7 billion investment in child care that included $500 million to bolster New York’s child care workforce through the Workforce Retention Grant program and $4.8 million for a new Employer-Sponsored Child Care Pilot Program where participating employers, the state and employees will split the cost of child care. The FY 2024 Budget also included $1 million to create a statewide business navigator program in each of the 10 Regional Economic Development Council regions to help interested businesses identify options to support employees’ child care needs. The funding will also be used to develop a statewide employer child care guidebook. The Governor’s investment also included $179 million in tax relief for families with children under the age of four through an expansion of the Empire State Tax Credit.
No comments:
Post a Comment