Organization Spotlight – The Childhood League Center
www.childhoodleague.org(As told to us by Nicole Papa Odegaard, Director of Advancement)
Q. Tell us a little about your organization. Mission? Population you serve?
A: 70+ Years Strong! Founded in 1945, The Childhood League Center cares about children in need. This was our original mission and we remain true to it today. The Childhood League Center provides the best in early childhood education, interventions and therapies for children with and without special needs. Children learn together and from one another in fully inclusive classrooms, and we celebrate the strengths of each child. Central to our mission are families, and we work together to ensure they feel confident in their ability to help their child and to be lifelong advocates, well beyond their years with us here.
It’s an approach that works. On average, 45% of our youngest children catch up to their typically developing peers by age three and no longer qualify for services. The same holds true for our preschool children by the time they graduate. The impact this has on that child and their family is significant, but this also greatly affects the future for our school districts, communities and future workforce.
Q. What has your involvement with AFP been?
A: Nicole has been a member of the Central Ohio Chapter since 2010 and serves on the AFP of Central Ohio’s Board of Directors. Peter Tripp, the Director of Community Development is also a member. We believe AFP is instrumental in creating a community with the most highly qualified fundraising professionals!
Q: Does your organization have anything special going on? Tell us about it!
A: The Childhood League Center is in the final stages of a comprehensive capital campaign that will culminate in our re-location to a new facility in January 2017. This building will more than double our current space to 40,000 square feet on 4 acres on the historic Fort Hayes campus. Our classrooms will increase from 6 to 10, increasing children served at The Center by 100 with the opportunity to serve more in the community as well. Our new campus will provide an incredible outdoor environment unlike any other in the nation that will ignite exploration and wonder for our students. Our campaign is a total of $14.4 million and is a combination of philanthropy, New Markets Tax Credit proceeds and the sale of our current building. The campaign total includes construction costs, an operating reserve and a contribution to our sustainability fund.
Posted October 2016