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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