GREENFIELD — The Learning Knoll, formerly the Girls Club of Greenfield, can move ahead on several long-awaited improvements and renovations at its Pierce Street property thanks to a $450,000 capital grant from the state.
Some of the work will include repainting classrooms, installing new sinks and cabinets, and improving the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in the building, according to Executive Director Steven Rickman.
“I was ecstatic,” Rickman said of receiving the grant. “It’s supporting my vision for the organization … to continue modernizing our organization and to continue to provide that vital service that’s desperately needed in Franklin County and all of western Mass.”
The Learning Knoll, which also operates The Valley Play School on Water Street in Shelburne Falls and Camp Lion Knoll on Oak Hill Road in Greenfield, is a private nonprofit that offers programming and day care services for children starting at eight months old.
The program was one of 20 organizations in Massachusetts to be awarded a total of $8.5 million in Early Education and Out-of-School Time (EEOST) capital funding grants to renovate early education and “out-of-school” time facilities that serve primarily low-income families, according to the grant announcement. The grants are financed through the state’s capital budget and leverage private investments with matching funds.
“This program will improve and expand child care offerings for low-income parents, which will help families struggling with the high cost of living make ends meet and ensure their kids can get a high-quality education,” said Gov. Maura Healey in a statement. “These grants are a critical step in our efforts to make early education and care more affordable, accessible and equitable across the state, which is why we increased funding for this program by $4 million per year for the next four years.”
The Greenfield-based organization was one of two western Massachusetts organizations to receive money, with the majority of the recipients of the award being located in the eastern part of the state. The Chicopee Child Development Center and the Boys & Girls Club Family Center in Springfield also received grants.
Rickman said a few smaller projects have been underway throughout the year, including a school-age room that has been completed. the organization plans to redo fencing in the spring.
“Our children deserve nice facilities,” Rickman said. “We had started the process since I took the position. They are very costly repairs. With this grant, we were able to speed up the process a little sooner.”
Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter (X): @MaryEByrne.