Jenniffer Bleakley and her Hand In Hand Early Childhood Center applied for a NYS Office of Children and Family Services state grant, which was awarded to expand her childcare center. After receiving the grant award, it was rescinded and taken back after a technicality. At this time, she and her team had already started planning her business expansion and were working towards offering more childcare to Lewis County residents.
Advisor Deborah Wilson at the Watertown SBDC Outreach Center assisted with the development of a business plan and financials. Lewis County (Naturally Lewis) had helped her apply (and reapply) for the Northern Border Regional Catalyst grant, and she ultimately received the full amount of almost $3 million. The funds will enable the center to add two new rooms to its existing center, and open satellite locations at Harrisville School and at South Lewis School to provide even more childcare capacity in the county.
A setback couldn't stop Hand In Hand Early Childhood Center! With guidance from the Watertown SBDC, owner Jenniffer Bleakley secured a nearly $3M grant to expand, adding new rooms & satellite locations for Lewis County families… Share on X
Hand in Hand offers a play-centered approach to early education, the most effective way to teach young children essential skills and concepts. Each classroom environment is designed for the age and abilities of the children and is arranged with developmentally appropriate equipment and materials that offer hands-on activities and experiences that provide meaningful learning opportunities for young children. These activities are designed to promote the development of the whole child–socially, emotionally, physically, cognitively, and creatively.
Jenniffer Bleakley commented, “Working with Advisor Deborah Wilson at the Watertown SBDC was wonderful! She listened to our story and knew we were on a short deadline, and worked with me to get the Business Plan accomplished by the deadline. I could not have completed this portion of the grant without her!! I am so thankful that she was able to help me and would definitely work with Deborah and the SBDC again!”