Local Support Helps Close the Gap on this $1.3M Project
18 Degrees has received key state capital renovation funding to make critical improvements to its childcare facilities at 480 West St. This award from the Healey-Driscoll Administration, combined with support from the Jane and Jack Fitzpatrick Trust and a low-interest bridge loan from the Gilson Family Foundation, brought the project to life. Greylock Federal Credit Union will finance the remaining project costs while fundraising efforts continue.
The project addresses urgent infrastructure needs that directly impact the service delivery for children and families. Crucial updates include replacing the building’s original 30-year-old HVAC system and roof—both past their life expectancy—ensuring the facility remains operational and sustainable for decades to come. The renovation will also create a more welcoming and efficient experience for caregivers accessing early education and care (EEC) programs by transforming an underutilized space into a dedicated enrollment office. Safety improvements to traffic flow at the main entrance will better protect children, families, and staff.
“These updates and improvements are essential to our ability to serve families who depend on quality, affordable childcare,” said Stephanie Steed, 18 Degrees President and CEO. “It is a process we embarked on with great intention, investing time and money to prepare the proper documentation and drawings to make certain the project was ready to mobilize.”
Additional improvements include replacing deteriorated sidewalks and upgrading interior spaces to meet current accessibility codes, ensuring the facility serves all families equitably.
“The planning team strategically combined urgent repairs with improvements like gutters, drainage, and insulation that will maximize the long-term return on every dollar invested,” said Steed. “This comprehensive approach guarantees we’re building a sustainable future for the families we serve.”
18 Degrees is one of just 28 organizations across Massachusetts selected to receive capital funding for childcare facility renovations—a recognition of both the project’s readiness and its vital importance to the community. This competitive award from the Healey-Driscoll Administration supports renovation projects that expand capacity and improve the quality and accessibility of learning environments, ensuring children have safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate spaces to learn, play, and grow.
“We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for recognizing the significant importance of early education infrastructure and investing in our community’s youngest learners,” said Steed. “We are overjoyed to receive local support from the Fitzpatrick Trust and Gilson Family Foundation and deeply appreciate their generous investments in our agency and dedication to our community.”
The team broke ground in the fall with a photo to commemorate the occasion, including representatives from the agency, board of directors, funders, and partners from Greylock Federal Credit Union. Construction managed by Kenco Development is ongoing and will be completed in the spring. To learn more about this project, please contact Sarah Frederick, Vice President of Advancement at info@18degreesma.org.