ATLANTA, Ga. — Several child care centers in Columbia and McDuffie counties are receiving recovery funds from the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning (GFEC+L) to help them recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene.
GFEC+L, in partnership with The Aspire Difference Foundation and Save the Children US, awarded $49,500 in recovery grants to 33 child care programs statewide, according to a press release from GFEC+L.
Each received $1,500 to help restore safe, stable environments for children and families.
In Columbia County, four centers were supported:
- Small Wonders Playcare Center – Evans
- R&L Mini Miracles Daycare – Martinez
- The Bradley School of Martinez – Martinez
- Learning Junction Preschool – Evans
In McDuffie County, Stephanie Turman FCCLH in Thomson received grant assistance.
“These funds were a lifeline for programs working to reopen quickly and safely, as well as for programs that needed some financial relief for substantial costs incurred from hurricane-related damages,” said Laura Wagner, Executive Director of GFEC+L.
The grants covered urgent recovery needs such as repairing roofs and playgrounds, restoring HVAC systems, replacing damaged classroom materials, covering food losses and removing storm debris.
The foundation’s press release also highlighted plans for future resilience.
“The impact of this funding has been transformative,” said Tracey Broxton of Little Feet Learning Academy in Dublin, one of the statewide recipients. “The new fencing provides a much safer and more secure environment for the children, allowing them to enjoy outdoor play with peace of mind.”
GFEC+L said it will continue developing disaster preparedness strategies and using unrestricted resources to help programs respond quickly in future emergencies.
Donations to support recovery and preparedness efforts can be made at www.gaearlyed.org/Give.aspx.
