http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20110629/NEWS02/706299880
Published June 29, 2011 in the Rutland Herald
New Springfield Parent Child Center opens
By SUSAN SMALLHEER
NORTH SPRINGFIELD — When Colby Downing attended child care at the Springfield Area Parent Child Center, he had a youngster’s yen to tear down the old yellow rundown house next to his child care center, where he was told his new center was eventually going to be built.
Downing, now 9, was given the honorary pair of scissors Tuesday to cut the ribbon leading to the center’s new $3.5 million home.
The Springfield boy, according to Betty Kinsman, executive director of the regional center, wanted to get to work building a new center. “‘When are we tearing down the house?’” Kinsman quoted the young man.
So, she told a group of about 250 people gathered to commemorate the new building Tuesday morning, it was only fitting he get the pair of scissors to do some of the honors.
Douglas Racine, the secretary of the Agency of Human Services, was “second scissor” to Downing, standing in for Gov. Peter Shumlin, who sent a letter congratulating Kinsman on the new center.
The Springfield Area Parent Child Center serves 15 towns in Windsor and Windham counties, offering not just day-care services to about 50 children, but preventive services to young families, new mothers and families in crisis.
Racine said the state of Vermont, and Shumlin, are dedicated to “make sure all children get off to a good start.”
The 15 parent child centers all over the state are thriving, he said.
And it’s not a coincidence, Racine said, “We saw the rates of neglect and abuse go down.”
Springfield Area Parent Child Center offers a variety of services, from home visits to child care, outreach, referral services, job training and parent support and education.
The 12,469-square-foot building was designed by Woodstock architect Samuel Purvis, and it represents high levels of “green” technology.
Mollie Lambert, the state director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said that the new building was a tribute to local community support and fundraising, as well as $2.7 million in federal loans and grants from the so-called stimulus money.
“I love your mission,” Lambert told the gathering, noting that she agreed with the center’s mission that “parenting is both delightful and demanding.”
The center’s website says: “Change the first five years and you change everything.”
The center’s other motto is “Strong communities, one family at a time,” she said.
Kinsman has been with the center since its founding 19 years ago in some basement rooms at the old Park Street School.
Kinsman said demand for services was strong from the very beginning, and the center quickly outgrew its Park Street location, and moved to Myrtle Street, eventually moving to North Springfield in 1997.
After the ceremonies, Kinsman and other staff led people on tours of the facility, including the day care center, where babies were getting cuddled and toddlers were taking blissful naps.
“This has been a long and busy journey,” she said.
Paul Kendall, chairman of the fundraising committee, and master of ceremonies, joked that the center needed a microphone. And supplies, and furnishings ... and a mike, he joked. “And we always need money.”
“The building is complete — hooray!!” he shouted.
Albert J. Marro / Staff Photo Scott Whittemore (left), Douglas Racine and Rep. Alice Emmons chat before the dedication of the new Springfield Area Parent-Child Center in North Springfield Tuesday morning. Whittemore is the treasurer for the organization and Racine is the secretary of Human Services in Vermont. 06/28/11
I don't know what to think about the previous comments on this opening.
ReplyDeleteSometimes a place like this can be helpful to young parents who are having difficulties and feel they have nowhere else to turn. Some churches can help them but are not really physically equipped and young people are so reluctant to go there for help.
I can also see how it seems like this organization can be meddlesome in a private life of those using it. I DO think these folks are trying to make things better for the people needing some guidance with their daily living. I just hope it helps to prevent some of the child abuse we hear about which may be caused by utter frustration. By caring about and helping to educate young parents who find themselves parents all of a sudden, with no clue as to how to carry out this new role, it may just make our little corner of the world a better place. I pray God will bless those seeking the help and those giving it.
I can't say it any better than the anon above. Child abuse is a major epidemic and real life horror story to those involved. I have used the Parent/Child Center in the past and think they are a wonderful resource. :)
ReplyDeleteHas Alice Emmons ever done ANYTHING to support the hard working residents that fuel her taxpayer funded philanthropy?
ReplyDeleteCome to think of it, Alice has minimal social skills being a 55 year old spinster, living in her parent's home, and never having a real job.
No wonder with leadership like that why Springfield is a dying town. Way to go Alice!
That remark is just rude and hateful.
ReplyDeleteThe Self-entitled victim mentality is a major problem with younger generations in this country. It's basically a way of saying, "I want all the attention and respect without earning it, and you better do it or your out of my life".
ReplyDeleteThis is what the Emerge and Parent Child centers foster/enable without thinking about the damage their causing. Real abuse can be handled by the police, a hospital and a psychologist if needed.
The number of fleas and freeloaders who have latched onto and meddle in the family rearing process are unbeleivable.