(Mission District, San Francisco, CA, January 18, 2022) – Felton Institute will open its brand-new, state-of-the-art Early Care and Education (ECE) program with special guest speakers, ribbon cutting, and a traditional Aztec ceremony performed by Teokalli.
Felton believes access to high-quality ECE is a means for closing the opportunity gap and ensuring all children are prepared for success in school and beyond.
Uniquely designed for children from birth to 5 years old, Solmar Learning Center (SLC), is co-located in the new affordable housing development, Casa Adelante. SLC is licensed for 42 children from infants to preschoolers. Casa Adelante will provide 143 homes in the community along with birth-to-career resources.
In partnership with Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA) and Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation (TNDC), this event officially opens Felton’s fifth ECE program, the first to be housed inside an affordable housing community. We will also celebrate 50 years of providing holistic ECE and family support services through SLC’s sister location, Family Developmental Center.
The opening celebration will be performed by Teokalli with a traditional Aztec dance followed by a few words from Felton COO, Dr. Yohana Quiroz, and CEO, Al Gilbert. Speakers include OECE Executive Director, Ingrid Mezquita, Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) Vice President of Early Care and Education, Angie Garling, and special guests, Senator Scott Wiener and Supervisor Hillary Ronen.
“The need for quality ECE is greater now than ever. Felton Institute has chosen to play a significant role, by continuing to advocate for, expand on, and address the access to quality care and education for San Francisco’s low-income families. To our local funders, representatives, and partners, we are extremely grateful for the unwavering support, and most importantly helping our families thrive. We appreciate your bold vision, leadership, and investments to help strengthen ECE services in San Francisco.” – Dr. Yohana Quiroz, Felton Institute Chief Operations Officer (COO)
Felton Institute has built on its 133-year history of addressing inequities by providing quality services from prenatal to aging populations. By utilizing evidence-informed practices, Felton reduces poverty, increases access to social services and supports, and provides a pathway to self-sufficiency for some of our most vulnerable children, youth, and families. To serve a diverse community, Felton Institute ensures services are culturally sensitive, linguistically inclusive, and gender-responsive.
“LIIF is pleased to have provided $2.1 million in grants to the Solmar Learning Center through our Child Care Facilities Fund grant program. By co-locating early care and education with housing, this development is addressing two major shortages in the Bay Area, truly meeting families where they are.” – Angie Garling, Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) Vice President of Early Care and Education
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Media contacts:
Primary:
Sarah Richardson-Baker, Director of Communications and Community Engagement
Felton Institute
Email: sbaker@felton.org
Secondary:
Dr. Yohana Quiroz, Chief Operations Officer
Felton Institute
Email: yquiroz@felton.org