
Childcare Center In The Works For Bangor Needs Help Getting To Finish Line
There's a new childcare center in the works for Bangor.

Following a feasibility study conducted in January 2024, Penquis put together a plan to create a new childcare facility, the Bright Beginnings Child Development Center, in a location off Broadway, next to the Hannaford complex.
Kara Hay, President and CEO of Penquis, says the new facility which will serve families from the surrounding area, is an investment not only into the local youth but also the local workforce.
"There are 3 big needs in our community and our state, you always hear them: housing, transportation, and child care. In the Bangor area, childcare is a huge barrier. Opening this center is going to allow us to serve 40 additional infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. And what that means is that those little ones get high-quality care, and food, make sure they're learning and thriving, and equally as important, make sure that parents and family members can go to work or school. And we need the workforce. So this is about investing in our children and families so we can invest in our workforce and in our communities and invest in our future. That's all of it together. "
Hay says the project comes with a pretty big price tag, but they're close to securing the funds needed to start construction. However, they do need one final big push.
"This total project for the Bright Beginnings Child Development Center was $9.7 Million for the whole thing. And through ARRPA funds, Office of Headstart funds, and goal-giving, we only have $700 thousand to raise. We're so close, we can see the finish line. In other contexts, $700 thousand might seem like a lot, but $700 thousand out of $9.7 million, we've made it really far. We just need the community to lean in and get us the rest of the way. "
The clock is ticking, Hay says, for Penquis to start the process of building and outfitting the new space.
"We have to have this building ready to go by fall of 2026, meaning ribbon cutting, and opening the doors by 2026. So we hope to break ground very soon. That means we really need to find those additional dollars soon. "
If you'd like to donate or want more information on the Bright Beginnings Child Development Center, visit their website at www.penquis.org.
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Gallery Credit: Cori Skall