Construction begins on early education center in New Bedford's Goulart Square neighborhood

NEW BEDFORD — NorthStar Learning Centers' early education and care center was envisioned in 2017.

Well over 100 people gathered to celebrate that vision becoming reality at the Early Learning Academy's groundbreaking at the corner of Rivet and Hyacinth streets in the Goulart Square neighborhood Thursday.

Maria A. Rosario, NorthStar Learning Centers executive director, said, "We're here to celebrate both our legacy and promise as we approach 50 years of service to our community."

NorthStar is a people-of-color-led non-profit that was born out of the civil rights movement in 1974.

Its mission is to "help young people overcome poverty, discrimination, educational disadvantage, violence and other adversity through learning essential competencies and hopefulness with which they can transform their lives and communities."

Rosario said 90% of its pre-school graduates are deemed kindergarten-ready by the public school system.

NorthStar Learning Centers never gives up

Rosario added that NorthStar Learning Centers "never gives up — we do not expel kids, period."

NorthStar "addresses challenges" experienced by its students.

Children can all succeed with "the right support."

This new state-of-the-art 17,000-square-foot facility replacing a vacant lot will serve 135 infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers. It will include a commercial-level kitchen that will also be used in hosting community events, Rosario said.

Stella Rebeiro, NorthStar Learning Centers board president, said it had grown since 1974 from a single pre-school to three early childhood centers providing a variety of services, featuring educators with two decades of experience.

She added, "One teacher can shape a child's whole future."

The state-of-the-art facility to be constructed is a way of providing teachers with the tools they deserve.

"They've given the very best and they deserve the very best in return," Rebeiro said.

Funding included $2.5 million in city ARPA money

She also quoted Frederick Douglass: "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."

Project funding came from a variety of sources, from individual and corporate donations, from private and public entities, and through NorthStar equity investments.

It also came through $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds from the city — the second-largest ARPA award provided by the city.

Mayor Jon Mitchell said it will not only prepare pre-school students for the education that awaits them, it will enable parents to advance their careers and education, as well.

"It will create opportunities for a whole lot of folks," he said.

It's also great for the Goulart Square neighborhood, Mitchell said. "This is a neighborhood that's really on the move."

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Work begins on early education center in New Bedford's Goulart Square