United Community Action Partnership (UCAP) and Kandiyohi Power Cooperative (KPC) are excited to announce a venture that makes cooperation and partnership a reality. KPC is providing rented space for UCAP’s Head Start program in Willmar. The space is being renovated to meet Head Start’s needs.
“We are thrilled beyond measure to be able to have a facility that will house our Head Start services in Willmar under one roof,” said UCAP Executive Director Deb Brandt.
For KPC, the project is a natural fit. Dale Anderson, Board Chair of KPC, said they operate under seven cooperative principles. “The seventh Cooperative Principle is Concern for Community. There is great need for the services that UCAP provides and we are happy to be able to partner with them to make our community a better place to work and live.”
The building, located at 1311 Highway 71 NE, Willmar, Minnesota, will hold 8 classrooms for Early Head Start and Head Start. These programs focus on low-income pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers by providing comprehensive services which lead to child and family success. The new classrooms will provide opportunity for about 124 children in a center-based education program, and about 30 who receive education services at home, but who need a place to come together for socialization and group activities.
KPC has contracted with Marcus Construction to renovate the building. A process that has been moving quickly due to forward thinking and pre-planning by UCAP leadership. “We started planning this project several months ago by working with Marcus Construction to put together the renovation plans,” Brandt said. “This pre-planning expedited the process in order for us to efficiently move forward.”
UCAP plans to have classrooms open in the new facility by early August and running at full capacity when school starts next fall. That’s the moment everyone is waiting for.
“Getting started is great,” she said, “but the real reward is going to be seeing the building filled with kids.”
For more information about both organizations and how they can help you or your community, visit:
Kandiyohi Power Cooperative at www.kpcoop.com Phone: 800.551.4951
United Community Action Partnership at www.unitedcapmn.org Phone: 320.235.0850