Vol. 17, No. 3	Sept. 18, 1997

 Day-care building under construction for UD center

According to Stuart J. Sharkey, director, the UD Center for School Services provides community and social services-including literacy and skill training-to the residents of Brookmont Farms as part of the Adults and Families Living Together (AFLT) program, which is coordinated by Jenny Stanberry.

The center is a nonprofit organization supported by several grants-from the state Department of Education, Appoquinimink School District, Christina School District and New Castle County Partnership.

Through the AFLT program, he said, adults are learning to read or work toward their GEDs, and children are getting educational toys, games and books for their homes. Courses on parenting are available and liaisons between parents and schools are being established.

According to Sharkey, AFLT is a magnet program that attracts, coordinates and works with other area agencies to improve the quality of life in the community.

The key players in the day-care construction project are students and staff at Hodgson Vocational-Technical High School, who are actually building the center.

Speaking to the student builders during the ceremony Sept. 10 at the Glasgow-area high school, Sharkey said, "This is a total community effort. It is a win-win situation for everyone. You will gain actual construction experience. I know after its completion, you will be able to say with pride to your parents and friends that you had a hand in the construction of this building. We could not have done it without you."

Up to now, Sharkey said, much of the AFLT program has been directed toward support for adults. With the completion of the new day-care center, they hope to have funding for an Early Head Start Program for toddlers and a day-care program for preschoolers, which will provide care for children so their parents will be able to work or attend classes, he said.

Since the center will be located in community, it will be easily accessible and within walking distance of residents.

Sharkey was responsible for obtaining funding and support for construction of the new facility, which has come from the state of Delaware Community Redevelopment Fund and the Gannett Foundation.

Jim Nelson, president of Architect Studios, and Gunther Schaffer, donated the design and architectural drawings.

Ed Capadonna, executive director of Associated Builders and Contractors, arranged for companies to donate building materials, and he will arrange for construction workers to complete the foundation in Brookmont Farms.

Vincent Garlick, New Castle County Department of Community Development and Housing, also provided wide range of assistance to the project, Sharkey said.

The project is expected to be completed in the spring, before the current school year ends. Sharkey said the 1,800-square-foot building will be moved to Brookmont Farms and placed on county parkland on Kemper Drive, and playground equipment will be added at the site.

"Our attitude toward the community is one of cooperation, working together to achieve mutual goals. And, education at all levels- from infants to adults-is our top priority," Stanberry said.

-Ed Okonowicz
Photo by Jack Buxbaum