CHEFA Awards $75,000 to TVCCA

The Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority has awarded Thames Valley Council for Community Action $75,000 as part of an expansion of its Early Childhood Education facility on Bayonet Street in New London. The grant will cover the cost of HVAC equipment in 1,900 square feet of previously undeveloped space in the agency-owned building. “These funds from CHEFA will allow us to provide significantly more classroom space to serve infants and toddlers,” said Debbi Poirier, Director of TVCCA’s Little Learners Infant/Preschool program. Increasing low- income families’ access to quality, affordable early care/education allows parents to pursue job opportunities with local employers, many of whom have struggled to fill positions due to the region’s shortage of childcare. “Local demand for these services far outweighs the supply,” noted Ms. Poirier, “especially for those children from 6 weeks to 3 years old. Funds from CHEFA have allowed us to proceed with this crucial capital project that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.” The expansion project is expected serve 77 children under age 3 and directly benefit more than 116 parents/guardians. 36 early care teachers and staff are employed by TVCCA at its New London facility. 

For more information on TVCCA’s early childhood education programs, as well as its other programs helping people in need in eastern Connecticut, please visit www.tvcca.org.