FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 20 November 2003
Contact: Barbara Guthrie, Executive Director 508.791.6849

RAINBOW ACQUIRES NEW HOME
CHILD CARE CENTER BRINGS NEW LIFE TO HISTORIC FACILITY

(WORCESTER MA) -- Rainbow Child Development Center is pleased to announce the purchase of the 10 Edward Street property from the Edward Street Day Care Center. The move to Edward Street will allow the Center to expand its current preschool and parent programming services and will give the Center more room to meet staffing needs.

Founded in 1972, Rainbow Child Development Center is a licensed, not-for-profit organization that works collaboratively in the Worcester community to provide education and therapeutic services to children and families in a safe and nurturing environment. At Rainbow children learn and grow to reach their individual potential, and families receive encouragement and services to support their children's development. The Center has been located in Plumley Village since its incorporation and while serving families from throughout the Worcester area, the majority of its families live in the Belmont Hill neighborhood. In its search for larger headquarters, it was important for the Center to maintain its presence in the "Plumley" neighborhood. The Edward Street building was a perfect solution!

The new Rainbow facility -- Ten Edward Street -- was built in 1910 and opened under the name of "Temporary Home and Day Nursery." The building provided a safe haven for women and children who needed temporary lodging. The "home" was discontinued in the early 50's and the building's use was then limited to preschool and kindergarten day programs. In 1968, the name was changed to the Edward Street Day Care Center, which was subsequently closed in November 2001.

The building is steeped in history. The size and design will allow Rainbow to expand its classrooms and services to better meet the needs of current and new children and families. Renovations will be required to meet current building code requirements and to hopefully restore the building to its former beauty. A "move in' date has yet to be determined.

"The entire Rainbow organization is excited with and energized by the purchase of the Edward Street Property," confirmed Brian R. Forts, President, Board of Directors. "The new location will provide the agency with the opportunity to expand our programming and allow us to assist more children and families in the greater Worcester area."

Rainbow Child Development Center provides care, education, and therapeutic services to over 200 children -- ages 6 weeks to 13 years -- from families in the Worcester area. Located at 16 Laurel Street for more than thirty years, Rainbow looks forward to welcoming the community to visit its new home at 10 Edward Street. A grand opening will be planned after the renovations are complete.

For further information, including volunteer opportunities, please call Rainbow at 508.791.6849 or visit www.rainbowcdc.com.