Small Blessings Early Childhood Development Centre expands

Nearly 200 people gathered Saturday, September 26 for the official opening of Small Blessings Early Childhood Development Centre after recent renovations.

The newly expanded facility will increase available full-time childcare spaces by 31, after school spaces by 30, and overall service capacity by 50 per cent, for a wonderful total enrolment of 192 children. 

In the after-school program, there will be newly developed curriculum in key areas, such as: physical education, science, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, and more.

The Honourable Cathy Rogers, Minister of Social Development, Minister of Healthy & Inclusive Communities says, “I am very aware what The Salvation Army has done for this community as my children attended Small Blessings. Investing in children is something I believe in and thanks to The Salvation Army for all that you do.”

Plans are underway for enhanced and expanded programs that would include: emergency and disaster response services, free income tax clinics, a community kitchen, and workshops/seminars on such important issues as parenting, nutrition, anti-bullying, drug prevention, and budgeting/financial planning.

Lieut Colonel Joan Canning adds, “It is a day of rejoicing and one of the most special occasions I have ever participated in. Today we stand in front of this state-of-the-art facility with Moncton children in mind, these children who will be the leaders of tomorrow.”

This $1.5 million expansion was made possible through the generous support and contributions from The Salvation Army, members of the local congregation, families of Small Blessings and former Small Blessings alumni, local business, government agencies and friends throughout the Greater Moncton community.  To everyone involved in helping in any way, Director of Small Blessings, Lorraine Veysey says, "We simply could not have done it without you."