Children's Investment Fund
Newsletter
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Dear Colleagues,
As we begin the new year, we celebrate the appointment of our new Board Chair, Peg Sprague. Peg is a tireless advocate for children with over 35 years of experience as a teacher, administrator, and consultant to nonprofits serving children and families. Our new Vice Chair, Mike Lindstrom, is the founding Principal of studioMLA Architects, a firm with expertise in learning environments for children. Both have been on the board since 2012 and we are fortunate to have these two dynamic, accomplished, and committed members. We thank Carl Sussman, who has served on the board for over 15 years, for stepping in as interim Board Chair last year.
In 2018, we look forward to the completion of several exciting projects that will provide more children access to high-quality learning environments. We have already begun planning for the 10th Building Stronger Centers training in May. As we grant the fifth year of Early Education and Out of School Time Capital Fund (EEOST) awards in collaboration with the Department of Early Education and Care, we reflect on the success of the program and the state’s commitment to early education and out-of-school time environments.
Happy new year to you and thank you for your ongoing partnership.
Best,
 
Theresa Jordan
Director of Children’s Facilities Finance
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2018 Building Stronger Centers Training Institute
The Fund is now accepting applications to the 2018 Building Stronger Centers (BSC) Training Institute, which will be held in May at the Wylie Inn and Conference Center. BSC is designed for center-based early education and out-of-school time programs that are planning a major renovation or construction project. The training covers information on the development process, financing strategies, elements of high-quality design, and examples of successful projects.
For more information or to apply, contact Theresa Jordan at tjordan@childrensinvestmentfundma.org; 617-727-5944.
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Financial Management Training
In November, the Fund hosted a new training, “Determining the Impact of a Capital Project on Child Care Financial Operations.” Debbie Schnitzer, CEDAC and the Fund’s Director of Finance & Operations, facilitated the session and offered guidance to non-profits on determining their financial readiness to undertake a facility development project. We hope to offer this training again in subsequent years and thank Debbie for lending her expertise.
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EEOST Evaluation
The evaluation of the Early Education and Out of School Time Capital Fund is well underway. It is an innovative study focused on EEOST’s impact on organizations, educators, families, and children. Check out this latest blog post on CEDAC’s INSITES.
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In the News
"Nonprofit Service Providers Become Developers to Better Serve Families"
Banker & Tradesman, January 15, 2018
By Roger Herzog and Bree Horwitz
"Aspiring to Reach New Heights on Franklin Street in Lynn"
The Daily Item, October 25, 2017
By Bridget Turcotte
"Massachusetts' Financing for Child Care Providers a Model for Other States"
Banker & Tradesman, October 16, 2017
By Roger Herzog and Theresa Jordan
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Project Spotlight: Merrimack Valley YMCA
In 2015, the Merrimack Valley YMCA received an $800,000 EEOST grant to reconfigure and renovate the preschool and school-age classrooms located in its Lawrence branch— a building owned and operated by the Y since 1910. At the time, the program served 165 children, 98% of them from low-income families.
Prior to renovation, one preschool classroom was located in the basement and two more were located steps away from the main entrance of the Y, which received general traffic from community members using the pool and wellness center.
Before
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The renovation project enabled the Y to centralize all preschool classrooms on the second floor where they enjoy more daylight, more opportunities for collaboration, and access to a large multi-purpose space.
After
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The out-of-school time program was also consolidated into an open, modern space that has the capacity to serve 20 additional children.
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Congratulations to the Y for a successful project that is now serving 185 children and will continue to serve many more in the years to come.
For more pictures and local coverage, click here.
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Partnership News
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We are grateful for the Rockland Trust Peoples Federal Federation’s third year of support for our EEOST evaluation project. Pictured below are Richard Muraida, Senior Vice President/Regional Manager at Rockland Trust (and CEDAC Board Member) and Theresa Jordan, Director of Children’s Facilities Finance.
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