Workforce and child development hub expected to open next month in Abingdon
Workforce and child development hub expected to open next month in Abingdon Cardinal News
sdgtalks
Regional Workforce and Child Development Hub in Abingdon Nears Completion
The new $26.5 million Regional Workforce and Child Development Hub in Abingdon is almost finished, with 99% of the construction complete. According to Travis Staton, the president and CEO of EO (Endless Opportunity), the staff will move into the hub at the end of the month, and it is expected to open in early September. The hub has been in development since July 2023 and is a significant project that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Addressing the Gap in Child Care and Workforce Development
The hub, built in a former Kmart building totaling 87,000 square feet, aims to address the serious gap in child care and workforce development in the region. It will house an early childhood development center operated by Ballad Health, serving 300 children up to 4 years old. Additionally, the hub will offer workforce training with STEM labs for teacher training and a shared services alliance to strengthen early child care and education providers. The building will also be home to Career Commons, providing students across Southwest Virginia with hands-on career simulation.
Support from the Community and Funding
The hub has received support from the community, with a public ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for October. Governor Glenn Youngkin has expressed his favorable views on the project and is expected to attend the ceremony. The Innovate Fund, a community development entity based in Greenville, South Carolina, has made a New Market Tax Credit investment of $5.5 million in the Abingdon project. This investment will help cover construction costs and support the long-term operation of the hub.
Benefits for the Region
The hub will have a significant impact on the region by addressing the gap in child care and providing career and technical skill development for the emerging workforce. It will create more than 100 jobs and offer opportunities for K-12 student field trips. The hub aims to improve the economy by ensuring families have access to affordable child care and individuals have access to quality education and training.
Looking Ahead
With the completion of the hub, the focus will shift to hiring for the various positions within the facility. A grand opening is planned for October, followed by an open house for the community in November. The hub is expected to make a positive contribution to the region’s sustainable development, aligning with the SDGs and promoting economic growth and social well-being.
Source: cardinalnews.org
