Martha’s Village & Kitchen holds open house for newly expanded Child Development Center
Shay Lawson
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Martha’s Village & Kitchen celebrated a major milestone Monday with the ribbon cutting of its expanded Child Development Center in Indio, a project that increases the nonprofit’s capacity to serve families struggling.
The newly expanded center now accommodates 102 children, up from 55, with the addition of 3 classrooms, an infant care area and upgraded learning spaces.
The facility also includes a new standalone entrance designed to improve security and comfort for families.
“We’re celebrating our ribbon cutting for our newly expanded Child Development Center,” Rosa Verduzco, Chief Operating officer of Martha’s Village & Kitchen said. “We originally had a facility that allowed us to serve 55 children, the most vulnerable children in our community who are facing homelessness or crisis.”
Verduzco said the project has been in the works for 4 years.
“We were very fortunate to have supportive donors,” Verduzco said. “A great working relationship with Riverside County Office of Education that made this possible.”
She said the expansion also created 14 new teaching positions.
Officials said the Child Development Center provides 5-star quality care, as rated by Riverside County’s Quality Start, for children ages 8 weeks to 5 years old, following The Creative Curriculum to support social, emotional and academic growth.
The nonprofit serves more than 6,000 people each year through housing, education and family services.
“This center gives parents peace of mind knowing their children are receiving quality care and letting them know that their children are being taken care of,” Verduzco said.