Campaign Committee

Dear Community Supporter:

One of the major cornerstones of the Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA) strategic plan is to end poverty centers on the area of education. Research shows that there is a direct correlation between poverty and the lack of quality education, particularly in the formative years. Additionally, the learning achievement gap in Connecticut between the wealthy and the poor is one of the highest in the nation. The importance of providing early child care and early childhood education in this dual battle against poverty and the lack of success in school, therefore, cannot be overstated.

The lack of options for affordable, quality child care and pre-school education in our region presents a significant barrier for working families who are seeking to improve their lives and the lives and education of their children.

In response to these needs, and with broad-based community support and encouragement, TVCCA is launching its first capital campaign for the purpose of expanding and renovating its Child Development Center on Bayonet Street in New London.

TVCCA is proud of the quality of the services it has provided to thousands of young children over the past four decades. A professional, highly-qualified cadre of teachers and the enviable National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation add to the excellence of our learning centers. However, with a long waiting list, there is an urgent need for the timely expansion and renovation of the Bayonet Street facility if we are to continue meeting the immediate and projected needs of our community.

The cost of renovating and constructing a healthy, safe, optimal learning center that includes new and improved classrooms, a health office, and playgrounds is $3 million. With the help of $2.3 million provided by the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA) for a new addition, a balance of $700,000 will be sought from our supporters to complete the renovation of the remainder of the building.

While there are many worthwhile charities and competing campaigns to consider in these difficult economic times, TVCCA firmly believes that providing early care and education in a high-quality environment will ultimately improve the education and economic stability of our region.

Because you understand the long-term societal value of these services, you are being asked to help reach out for a brighter tomorrow for our children by making an investment in TVCCA's vision for a showcase Child Development Center. Together we can and will communicate a message of caring to our community, especially to working-poor families. Your gift will keep on reaching out to our children, and to their children, for many generations to come.

TVCCA's capital Campaign Committee and I appreciate and would like to thank you for your interest and generosity. Further details about the scope of this building project are described in this brochure, along with a pledge form for your support.

Kathleen McCarty, Chairperson

Children need room to grow...

...and to play
and to learn.

The expanded TVCCA Child Development Center in New London will ensure that
and so much more.