Serving A Critical Need
For nearly 60 years, the South Shore Early Education program at South Shore Community Action Council (SSCAC) has provided the gold standard in early education for low-income children and families. Through our Head Start, Early Head Start, and state-funded programs, we are committed to comprehensive child development and school readiness, including social-emotional learning, physical health, and nutrition. With daily meals, transportation, and onsite healthcare at each of our 6 early education centers in the region, we ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive. Under our dual-generation approach, we also provide parenting support, adult education, job training, nutrition workshops, and employment opportunities for parents and caregivers.
In 2019, SSCAC expanded its Early Education program to Wareham to fill a critical gap caused by the sudden closure of a long-standing provider of childcare for low-income families in the town. One year later, SSCAC stabilized the childcare crisis in the town and was awarded an annually renewing grant for $1.18 million from the federal Administration for Children and Families to serve Head Start preschoolers and Early Head Start infants and toddlers from Wareham and Bourne.
And we're just getting started!
In the fall of 2022, the Town of Wareham put the East Wareham Elementary School up for auction, and a unique opportunity emerged. SSCAC was the successful bidder at auction and acquired the school for our Early Education program for $500,000.
Built in 1919 and last renovated in 1997, the East Wareham Elementary School has served as an educational, cultural, and community hub for generations of Wareham residents. With Head Start grant funds secured the purchase and a portion of the renovation, we laid the groundwork for transforming this beloved community asset into a thriving early education center.
Purchase and renovation of the East Wareham School for our Early Education program is central to our ability to fully enroll based on our Head Start funding, will afford space for increased enrollment of additional children, and will create new job opportunities for teachers and support staff.
This investment in early childhood development will produce a ripple effect throughout the town of Wareham, leading to increased educational attainment, improved health outcomes, stronger families, and a more resilient community.
The renovation of the East Wareham School will revitalize a historic building and preserve a significant piece of Wareham’s heritage. Our new early education center will become a community hub, offering opportunities for parent engagement, family resource and support services, and partnerships with local organizations.
This significant renovation project aligns with and fulfills many goals identified in the town’s Master Plan, Community Preservation Plan, and Community Development Strategy. SSCAC’s renovation of the East Wareham School will transform the under-utilized building into a state-of-the-art early education center.
Investing In The Future, Preserving The Past
Our Vision Becomes a Reality
In 2023, SSCAC began working with R2 Architects to plan for and develop the renovation specifications for the East Wareham School. In the spring of 2024, we selected South Coast Improvement Company as our General Contractor. South Coast Improvement brings a stellar track-record of past renovation and restoration projects involving historic buildings in southeastern Massachusetts. In June 2024, South Coast Improvement began renovations which are currently underway with an anticipated completion date in the spring of 2025.
Renovations will include creation of 7 classrooms, indoor gross motor space, a new nurse’s office,
a commercial kitchen for meal preparation and nutrition education for parents, and completely
redesigned outdoor greenspace and playground.
With your support, the future starts today!
Your Gift Leaves A Lasting Legacy
To make this vision a reality and revitalize the East Wareham School, SSCAC has launched a campaign that is both bold and within reach.
This initial renovation project is projected to cost $5,550,700. We will achieve this goal with the support from government at local, state, and federal levels, private foundations, community groups, businesses, and individuals.
We are pleased to offer this once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in the future of early education and the community of Wareham.
Head Start Heroes ($100,000+)
- Exclusive major donor recognition on donor wallPrivate tour with CEO and Board President Speaking opportunity at grand opening and major donor recognition in event programRecognition in press, on agency website, social media, and annual reportsTable for 8, podium and event program recognition at SSCAC’s 30th Annual Local Heroes Awards Night gala
Champions For Children ($50,000 - $99,999)
- Major donor recognition on donor wallInvitation to grand opening with recognition from the podium andin the event programRecognition in press, on agency website, social media, and annual reportsTable for 8, podium and event program recognition at SSCAC’s 30th Annual Local Heroes Awards Night gala
Future Builders ($25,000 - $49,999)
- Tiered recognition on donor wall Invitation to grand opening and recognition in event programRecognition on agency website, social media, and annual reportsTable for 8, event program recognition at SSCAC’s 30th Annual Local Heroes Awards Night gala
Dream Makers ($10,000 - $24,999)
- Tiered recognition on donor wallInvitation to grand opening and recognition in event programRecognition on agency website, social media, and annual reportsTable for 8, event program recognition at SSCAC’s 30th Annual Local Heroes Awards Night gala.
Building Blocks ($5,000 - $9,999)
- Tiered recognition on donor wallInvitation to grand opening and recognition in event programRecognition on agency website and social mediaTable for 8, event program recognition at SSCAC’s 30th Annual Local Heroes Awards Night gala
Classroom Champions ($1,000 - $4,999)
- Tiered recognition on donor wallInvitation to grand opening and recognition in event programRecognition on agency website and social mediaEvent program recognition at SSCAC’s 30th Annual Local Heroes Awards Night gala
Preschool Partners (up to $999)
- Tiered recognition on donor wallInvitation to grand opening
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information about customizable recognition and engagement opportunities, please contact:
Lisa Spencer
Chief Executive Officer
p: (508) 747-7575 Ext. 6218
e: LASpencer@sscac.org
Nikki Galibois, PhD
Director of Planning & Development
p: (508) 747-7575 Ext. 6255
e: NBGalibois@sscac.org
SSCAC is supported by private, municipal, county, state, and federal funding. SSCAC’s funders do not operate or control, are not responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of SSCAC and do not necessarily reflect the views of our funders.