LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- More than 100 years after it opened as the Eastern Colored Library, the building has been reimagined with the same purpose of educating the next generation of the Smoketown community.
Bates Memorial Baptist Church is celebrating a $2.1 million renovation into the community.
Smoketown Headstart, located on Lampton Street, is Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative's 20th facility. It's a partnership with Bates Community Development Corperation.
"Having this program here in Smoketown can be transformational for years to come," Kentucky Sen. Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, said at a news conference Tuesday.
The new 8,000-square-foot facility, which can serve up to 66 children, is now occupied with little learners, bright colors and state-of-the-art learning tools.Â
On Tuesday, Shawnee Green brought her 3-year-old son in to visit what may be his new school.Â
"It's a nice place ..." Green said. "I'm really getting a good vibe."
Sadiqa Reynolds, the former president of the Louisville Urban League is responsible for bringing the OVEC together with the Bates Community Development Corporation.
"Today is a historic day," she said. "... For a building to go from the second colored library in the city to now ... God planted the seed for that building to be what it is all the time."
Smoketown Headstart is now officially open and accepting applications for teachers and children. To apply, click here.
JCPS Head Start Coverage:
- Family & Children’s Place receives $7.84 million grant for head start program
- New child care learning center for low-income families opens in Pleasure Ridge Park
- Head Start program returns to Louisville after 3-year absence with help from $10 million HHS grant
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media All Rights Reserved.
