Kathy Beisner (302) 857-3580 or (302) 270-5767
Georgetown, DE August 23, 2007 – Senator Tom Carper, Congressman Mike Castle and USDA Rural Development State Director Marlene Elliott announced a $50,000 grant to Primeros Pasos, a non-profit organization dedicated to the establishment of a multi-cultural early child care and education center for all children of families living and working in the Georgetown area.
“Sussex County is growing so quickly and I am pleased that another facility has opened in Georgetown to meet the needs that come with a growing population,” said Senator Carper. “Many members of that population are children, who deserve the opportunity to develop and flourish in their communities, and grow up to be leaders in our state.”
First Steps Primeros Pasos is expected to open on September 4th welcoming 15 children who are part of the first class. The organization was formed approximately 10 years ago to provide low-income children, many of whom are from Spanish-speaking parents, with early childhood education and care. Because there is a lack of viable early learning centers in the area, Primeros Pasos will open with a temporary modular classroom with the goal of a larger facility to be built in three years that will serve 80-100 children.
"As need for child care continues to grow, the USDA contribution to this growing community will make a difference to both children and families,” said Congressman Castle. “So many parents struggle to keep their kids safe while they are at work and Primeros Pasos is doing so much to provide quality services to those families and I commend them."
The funding was provided through a USDA Rural Development special initiative designed to develop and improve the quality of child care services in rural America. “The Bush Administration recognizes that access to quality child care is a major component in helping the unemployed and underemployed make the transition to employment,” said Elliott. “All children need to learn and develop the skills necessary to grow up healthy and strong. I am confident that this facility will be a good neighbor in the community and bring an improved quality of life to all who walk through their door.”
Primeros Pasos has a $1.8 million campaign goal underway to construct a state of the art multi-cultural day care and education center that is expected to be built by 2010 using green-environmentally friendly components. The public is invited to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the modular building at First Steps Primeros Pasos on Thursday, September 27 at 10 a.m. They will be holding tours and the children will present a program. First Steps Primeros Pasos is located on 101 Savannah Road, Georgetown.
“We are very grateful to USDA for their support of this important community project,” said Rev. Earl Beshears, President, Primeros Pasos. “Thanks to USDA’s generous gift, the children at First Steps Primeros Pasos have a beautiful, fun and educational playground. Thanks to USDA’s gift, our children and families have intelligent climbing and bouncing toys. Thanks to USDA’s gift, the children will be able to play outdoors in safety.”
USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities. Last year, the agency returned over $53 million to rural Delaware. They have over 40 programs that support agriculture, business opportunities, home ownership, home repair, rental housing, broadband technology, public safety, health care, education, social and cultural needs and energy related projects. Additional information on rural programs is available by calling their State Office at (302) 857-3580 or by visiting their website at www.rurdev.usda.gov.
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USDA Rural Development is an Equal Opportunity Lender, Provider, and Employer. Complaints of discrimination should be
sent to: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410