Church group proposes 15,000 sqft child day facility in Stuart, seeks state grant help

Representatives from Stuart Church of Living Water presented plans for a 15,000-square-foot, fully accessible child day facility off Ashby Drive in Stuart that would primarily serve children from infancy through age 5 and create local employment opportunities. The presenters estimated the total project cost at about $4 million and said they can currently commit more than $1 million toward the work.

James Houchins, Director of Economic Development & Tourism for Patrick County, and Noah Mabe, Small Business & Economic Development Coordinator, said they would refer the group to state and regional funding resources, including the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation and United Way of Virginia's Blue Ridge. The church representatives told the Authority they have architectural plans ready to go to bid and have retained a consultant to pursue federal grants; they asked the Authority to assist in identifying applicable state funding sources because they intend to operate as a religiously exempt child day center.

The Authority voiced support for the proposal and did not take formal action beyond offering staff assistance. The church representatives said they will pursue federal and state grants to fill the remaining financing gap and return with further details as grant prospects and bids develop. No public comments were offered on this item during the meeting.