The
Wade Center has expanded its already broad set of programs for underprivileged
residents by opening a child care center
for teen mothers and their children. The Wade Center — Dorothy's Door Daycare Center
The
Wade Center has expanded its already broad set of programs for underprivileged
residents by opening a child care center
for teen mothers and their children.
“Dorothy’s Door” aims to provide quality child care for newborn through 2 year-old children; provide encouragement for teen mothers to return to school; provide afterschool counseling and tutoring for teen mothers; provide parenting classes for teen mothers using the Teen Mothers of Preschoolers (Teen M.O.P.S) curriculum from Focus on the Family.
A
grant awarded in 2009 to the Wade Center in the amount of $1000 from the
Sylvester C. and Janice M. Myers Fund has been used to
serve the at-risk children and
families in our community. Specifically, these monies were used to purchase
cots, cribs and other necessary supplies for Dorothy’s Door.
Dorothy's Door has received both its health department license as well as the license from the Department of Health and Human Resources dated June 1, 2010, and has been licensed to serve a maximum of 24 infants and toddlers, the majority of which are children of single mothers who are unable to complete their education due to the lack of affordable daycare.
The
opening of Dorothy’s Door will allow those teenage and college-age young women
to focus on
their education. Open enrollment of Dorothy’s Door will begin in June of 2010!
The Wade Center was formed in 2005 as a nonprofit group that raised funds to purchase and renovate the former Wade School building, which was closed in 2000 as part of a school consolidation effort. This large facility, which is comprised of two separate buildings, is located between Bluefield Avenue and Highland Avenue. It contains a gym, a large cafeteria, and an auditorium. Its 20 classrooms are now being used as computer labs, art rooms, tutoring facilities, music lesson rooms, offices and more.
The Wade Center's Web site explains, "Wade exists to promote and nurture the growth of the children, teens and young adults of the Greater Bluefield Community through practical programs and mentoring relationships. Our programs will address their spiritual, physical, emotional and intellectual needs, with the goal of encouraging positive personal growth that results in the development of productive members of the community."
Click here to return to Home Page