People Incorporated Breaks Ground on Early Education Center

On the morning of Wednesday, August 7th, People Incorporated held a groundbreaking ceremony for its forthcoming Early Education Center, located on the Agency’s site at 145 Weaver Street in Fall River. The event’s master of ceremonies was People Incorporated’s President & CEO Megan Stirk. It began with a song performed by several students currently enrolled in the People Incorporated Preschool; then special guest speakers followed with remarks. The event concluded with the speakers, People Incorporated representatives, and the People Incorporated Preschool children gathered together – everyone with shovels in hand – for the official groundbreaking ceremony. All guests enjoyed conversation and light refreshments afterwards.

Guest speakers included US Senator Ed Markey; State Representatives Carole Fiola and Patricia Haddad; BayCoast Bank President & CEO Nicholas Christ; Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan; Massachusetts DPH Commissioner Dr. Robert Goldstein; MA EEC Commissioner Amy Kershaw; and keynote speaker MA Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler.

Senator Markey delivered a major announcement and pleasant surprise during his remarks, as his office, in collaboration with the office of US Senator Elizabeth Warren, has planned an appropriation of $2 million towards the People Incorporated Early Education Center.

“Children may only be a quarter of our population, but they are one hundred percent of our future. Early childhood education sets up young people—and their families—for lifetimes of success,” said Senator Markey. “I am proud to have worked with Sen. Warren to secure $2 million in a funding bill that passed in the Appropriations Committee. People Incorporated’s new early education center is an investment in the space, early education workforce, and young people of Fall River that will provide for generations to come.”

State Representative Carole Fiola added, “Early education is a necessity here in the Commonwealth and especially in Fall River. I commend People Incorporated leadership, staff, and volunteer board for passionately driving this project. With the support of our community, state, and federal partners, our children are the winners.”

“This project will be an asset to the children and families within the City of Fall River. Early Childhood Education is vital in a child’s development. It is crucial to a child’s social, developmental, and cognitive needs to start the educational process as early as possible. I highly recommend to all parents that they take advantage of these types of programs to enhance their child’s early years,” said Mayor Coogan.

Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw said, “I was pleased to join People Incorporated today for the groundbreaking of their Early Education Center. Their beautiful future facility will serve as an example of the kind of indoor and outdoor spaces that kids, families, and educators deserve to spend time in, supporting over 200 students to learn, play, and grow in modern, high-quality, and dynamic learning environments.”

“It was wonderful to join People Incorporated, Senator Markey, Mayor Coogan, and other state and local officials today to celebrate People Incorporated’s forthcoming Early Education Center. This project is a clear example of critical partnerships and communities coming together to make sure our youngest students are experiencing classroom spaces that promote learning, growth, and positive educational experiences, making Massachusetts a better place to live, go to school, work, raise a family, and build a better future,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler.

The future 20,000 sq. ft., state-of-the-art center will accommodate over 200 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and it will provide modern early childhood rooms with ample space, innovative educational technology, and a blend of both indoor and outdoor learning settings. The facility will serve as a flagship location of People Incorporated’s Children’s Services Division that represents People Incorporated’s commitment to its mission.

“This is quite a milestone for People Incorporated, for Fall River, and for the city’s children,” said Megan Stirk, President & CEO of People Incorporated. “I’m so happy for our kids. They deserve all the work and dedication that is going into this center. It really is for them.”