1914 Quilchena Ave. building – Family Place Early Learning

Center Is Open

Merritt Youth and Family Resources Society would like to announce the Family Place Early Learning

Merritt Youth and Family Resources Society would like to announce the Family Place Early Learning Center

building at 1914 Quilchena Ave. is open for families. The new centre offers 76 new child care spaces for

families in Merritt, including 24 spaces for infant-toddlers, 36 spaces for school age care and 16 spaces

for multi-age child care. The land for the facility was purchased in 2017, and Merritt Youth and Family

Resource Society began taking our concept for the center to the city planning department, engineering

and architect involvement. To help make this facility a reality, the Merritt Youth and Family Resource

Society received $1.5 million from the Child Care BC New Spaces Fund.. Rohini Arora, parliamentary

secretary for child care shared:

“Family Place in Merritt reflects the kind of inclusive, family-centered childcare

we’re working to expand throughout the province We know that when moms,

working parents, and single parents are supported, children have the best chance

to thrive. This new child care centre doesn’t just provide high-quality child care, it

also creates a welcoming space where families feel seen, supported and included

every step of the way.”

Lenora Fletcher, the Executive Director, with the support of Carefree Homes and AKA Custom Builders have

been key members for the success of the building.

Lenora Fletcher, Executive Director, said “Although our community faced many hurdles,

felt we persevered and survived. Today, our success story and this new center is a

shining light to show that perseverance. Thank you for standing behind us as we strived

to make this amazing center happen. This could not have happened without the

encouragement and supportive messages from the people closest to us. Thank-you

(Kukstémc) to the funding sources that helped meet those rising costs for the building.”

Gordon Prosper, Board Chair, said “Past board members always talked about having our

own building to offer programs and services. To invest in long-term employment and

family services for our community. Our current board members wanted to honour that

wish in hopes that the 47 years of family service done to date will be the foundation for

another 50 years. This new center is the first step in that goal, and I know with our

executive director at the front we are well on our way in doing just that!”

After many challenges were encountered for this custom built the 6-piece modular child care facility is ready for

celebrating its open house. Since the building is modular it will have a 10-year warranty which shows a

commitment to the professional standard achieved with the building. All are welcome to see the beautiful open

space inside and out that is unlike a conventional commercial build.

For more information, please, email or this website and face book page are available

to learn more about us. We thank those that were able to join us for the open house

that showed how the center can be there for our families now and into the future.

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