A Leap Forward for Early Learning: The Generous Gift Transforming Lives in Delray Beach

A Gift of Hope and Progress

In a significant boost to early childhood education in southern Palm Beach County, the Achievement Centers for Children & Families has been honored with a generous $365,000 grant from the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation. This substantial support is earmarked for the nationally accredited Early Learning Program (ELP) on the Nancy K. Hurd campus in Delray Beach, promising to make a profound difference in the lives of the community's children and their families.

The ELP is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum that spans six essential developmental domains, providing over 2,485 service hours annually. It serves up to 109 children ages 1 to 5, ensuring they are not only kindergarten-ready but also set on a path of lifelong academic and social success. Beyond education, the program offers more than 47,000 meals annually, highlighting the holistic support it provides to each child.

With a team of 22 full-time, highly credentialed educators, the program maintains low teacher-to-child ratios, a critical factor in delivering personalized and effective early learning experiences. This grant not only supports these ongoing efforts but also allows the Achievement Centers to focus more on program innovation and long-term sustainability, benefitting not only the children in the Early Learning Program but also those in afterschool and teen initiatives, and family support services.

More Than Just a Grant

"The Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation’s support lifts a tremendous burden from our organization, allowing Achievement Centers to continue delivering full-day, year-round care while expanding services that meet the evolving needs of our children and families," shared Stephanie Seibel, CEO of the Achievement Centers. This gift is celebrated not just for its financial value but as a strong vote of confidence in the center's mission and the future of the community's youngest learners.

The Achievement Centers for Children & Families serves more than 760 children and their families annually, many of whom face systemic barriers such as poverty, trauma, and limited access to quality education. With an average household income of just $24,592, the ELP provides an essential lifeline, especially for working single-parent households and children at risk of falling through the cracks.

This partnership with the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation symbolizes a shared belief in the transformative power of early education. It's a testament to how strategic philanthropy can lay the groundwork for systemic change, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential, irrespective of their starting point in life.

Strengthening the Fabric of Community

At the heart of Achievement Centers for Children & Families’ mission is a commitment to not just educate but also to nurture and inspire. The center's holistic approach extends beyond the classroom, supporting children and their families through comprehensive Family Support Programs. These initiatives stabilize families in crisis and support them to serve as the foundation of their child’s growth, benefiting the entire community.

The center operates across three locations in Delray Beach, including the Nancy K. Hurd Campus, Village Academy, and Pine Grove Elementary, serving over 760 local children and families. For more information on their impactful programs or to learn how you can support their mission, visit www.achievementcentersFL.org.

The generosity of the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation not only secures a brighter future for the children and families of Delray Beach but also serves as a beacon of hope, highlighting the critical role of early childhood education in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. It’s a powerful reminder that together, we can make a difference in the lives of our community's most vulnerable members, paving the way for a future filled with opportunity and success.