On Aug. 12, when Adam Nagle, executive director of The Factory Ministries, spoke prior to the ribbon cutting of the new Pequea Valley Early Learning Center (PVELC) wing located in The Factory Ministries building, 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, he commented about the many hands and hearts that worked together to make the three new classrooms and offices a reality. "This took hard work, team effort, and generosity," stated Nagle. "We rolled up our sleeves and saw the need, and we worked together to solve that need." Nagle added that many partners were represented at the event, including the Together Initiative Network (TIN), the High Foundation, Pequea Valley School District (PVSD), and Community Action Partnership (CAP). "We rallied together to get the work done," said Nagle.

Nagle recalled that in 2024, Rich Eby, assistant PVSD superintendent who was instrumental in helping to found PVELC, called to say that the early learning center, then located in the Pequea Valley Intermediate School, would need a new home when its current location was torn down following the construction of the new Pequea Valley Secondary School. "He said, 'We can't move it into the new construction, and we can't lose this service,'" Nagle reported.

Nagle knew there was space in The Factory building, but remodeling to accommodate current PVELC classroom needs would be expensive. Lisa Eckert, senior director of youth services, suggested that her team move from its present location to the other side of the building to make room for PVELC. PVELC includes three preschool classrooms, space for child care for infants and toddlers, and before- and after-school care. Painting three rooms, adding new flooring and countertops, and adding bathrooms transformed the Braves Learning Center into areas that could accommodate PVELC for the fall 2025 school semester. A playground outside the classrooms will be completed in the near future. The changes were paid for through a grant from the High Foundation.

Robin Stauffer, executive director of the High Foundation, spoke at the event. She discussed the values of the foundation, which include servant leadership, stewardship, optimism, boldness, creativity, and equity. "Everyone deserves a fair chance," she noted. "We strive to align with community benefit organizations and stakeholders to support positive change in areas of identified need." Stauffer added that the mission of the foundation is to "operate with a heart of service and spirit of collaboration to build those bridges of opportunity." "We are striving for an equitable world," she said, noting the foundation is guided by the words of founder Dale High. "We are on this earth for a purpose that is larger than our own self-interest," she said. "We are pleased to be participating in an important and much needed service that's directly correlated to addressing poverty and transforming communities."

Andrew Godfrey, vice president of education with CAP, also spoke, noting that he appreciates the partnership between the High Foundation, CAP, The Factory, and PVSD "because we are bridging the gap for children and everyone in this room." "We are especially grateful to High for their generosity," he said, adding that it was amazing to see the investment in children and the community come together so quickly. "It means high quality education and helping to set the stage for a life of success," he stated. "Every child, regardless of circumstances, has the ability to reach their full potential," he said. "That drives everything we do. This isn't just about opening doors but about opening possibilities for children and families."

Nagle explained the connection of PVELC to the mission of The Factory. "We don't just want to alleviate poverty, we want to reduce poverty," he said, noting that the percentage of students receiving free and reduced lunches in PVSD is over 60%. "(That high percentage) often means low kindergarten readiness," said Nagle, who noted the institution of PVELC and the work of Eckert and her staff has resulted in a 33% growth in kindergarten readiness. "(That's) staggering," stated Nagle. "It's us working together to meet this need."

More information about the program may be found by clicking on the "Early Learning" tab at http://www.pequeavalley.org.