.png)
2026 Building Futures NOW $700K Campaign
About The Build
Following significant work and planning over the last five years, the long-planned expansion of Neck of the Woods’ capacity – adding 38 child care slots for our community and making NOW one of the largest child care centers in Vermont – is currently underway. We are renovating the second floor of our 10,000 square foot building, adding 4 classrooms and bathrooms plus office and meeting space for staff. This renovation also includes a new entryway with elevator for ADA accessibility, a commercial kitchen to meet Head Start requirements and provide meals for our children, and necessary system and safety upgrades. More details of our renovations are below.
NOW has raised $800,000 of the $1,500,000 cost of this renovation from a combination of state, federal, and local grants. We are currently in a capital campaign to raise the $700,000 needed to complete our expansion.
Description of Building and renovations:
Since we purchased the building in 2021 we have:
-
Raised over $2,000,000 from our community, Federal, State and local grants;
-
Installed a public water system and enlarged the septic capacity that can handle up to a 125 person occupancy;
-
Fully renovated the first floor (5000 sq ft) to include 7 classrooms, 6 bathrooms;
-
Upgraded the building envelope with new windows, doors and increased insulation;
-
Improved HVAC for the building, including new furnaces and heat pumps in all rooms;
-
Created 3 playgrounds, including rubber matts, portolets and changing tables;
-
Total cost of all campus improvements to date: $1,230,000.
What’s next for NOW in 2026:
-
Complete renovation of the second floor which will include 4 new classrooms and bathrooms plus meeting and office space for staff;
-
Adding a new entryway and elevator to meet state and ADA requirements;
-
Adding 2 outside covered stairways for emergency egress;
-
Updating all systems to include full building sprinkler system, heat pumps and new safety and security systems;
-
Adding a commercial kitchen on the first floor with a main office/check-in area for families.