Bright Beginnings Opens District's Only Evening Child Care Program for Homeless Children
26 Oktober 2005 - 8:37PM
PR Newswire (US)
Freddie Mac Foundation $300,000 Grant Helps Center Stay Open Until
11:30pm WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Bright Beginnings Child
Care Center, the only full-day, free child care center serving the
District of Columbia's homeless families, announced the addition of
an evening child care program, made possible by a $300,000 grant
from the Freddie Mac Foundation. "This new evening program
demonstrates that Bright Beginnings and the Freddie Mac Foundation
continue to lead in providing real solutions to meet the needs of
homeless families in the District of Columbia," said Mayor Anthony
A. Williams. "Bright Beginnings helps to give homeless children a
much-needed feeling of stability. This outstanding program -- and
the addition of evening hours -- greatly increases the odds that
homeless children and families will become contributing District
citizens, and that's good for all of us. We greatly appreciate this
very generous donation by the Freddie Mac Foundation." "The
children we serve face a great deal of upheaval in their lives. We
provide structure in a healthy, fun and educational environment
that prepares these youngsters for school while ensuring their
parents receive the support they need to pull their lives back
together," explained Betty Jo Gaines, executive director, Bright
Beginnings. "The Freddie Mac Foundation's grant is helping us
recognize the realities and needs of many transitional families by
extending our hours of operation." "Bright Beginnings fills an
important niche in our region by providing very vulnerable children
with a nurturing, safe place as it helps their parents work towards
self-sufficiency," explained Maxine B. Baker, president and CEO,
Freddie Mac Foundation. "As long-time supporters, we're proud to
support their evening care program because we know that more
children and families will face brighter futures." Bright
Beginnings currently provides comprehensive, developmentally
appropriate child care and family support services to nearly 100
children whose families live in the city's crisis shelters and
transitional housing. The Freddie Mac Foundation grant will help
Bright Beginnings serve homeless families whose jobs do not fall
during traditional business hours. Starting November 1, the center
will now operate an evening care program from 3:00 - 11:30 pm on
weekdays, enabling 36 children to receive care during these hours.
Housed in the Perry School along with a number of other
non-profits, Bright Beginnings' families have access to a health
clinic, pharmacy, job training, after school tutoring, and
enrichment opportunities, among other services, in the same
location as their childcare. In addition, Bright Beginnings
provides on-site social workers who help families develop a
realistic plan for moving forward; therapeutic services since
developmental delays are common among many of the children served;
and transition services to help families make smooth transitions to
permanent housing. Family homelessness is a growing problem in the
region. More than 1,000 children are homeless in Washington, D.C.
alone. Overall, 42 percent of homeless children are under age five.
Although most families do not remain homeless for long, the
experience can be devastating. Homelessness increases the
likelihood that families will dissolve. Homeless children are more
likely to be placed in foster care, are less healthy, experience
disruptions in schooling, and are more likely to have developmental
delays than poor, housed children. The Foundation's relationship
with Bright Beginnings has spanned more than a decade and has
provided more than $1.1 million in support during this time. The
Freddie Mac Foundation is committed to opening doors to hope and
opportunity to children, youth, and their families. The Foundation
does so by supporting non-profits that strengthen families, prevent
child abuse and neglect, find homes for foster families, and
develop youth to their fullest potential. Created by Freddie Mac in
1991, the Freddie Mac Foundation is dedicated to opening the doors
to hope and opportunity for children and their families. As one of
the largest corporate funders in the Washington, DC metropolitan
area, Freddie Mac and the Freddie Mac Foundation have invested
nearly $250 million in organizations serving the community.
http://www.freddiemacfoundation.org/ DATASOURCE: Freddie Mac
Foundation; Bright Beginnings Child Care Center CONTACT: Shawn
Flaherty of Freddie Mac, +1-703-903-4384 Web site:
http://www.freddiemacfoundation.org/
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