Grace Baptist Academy announces the Grand Reopening of its newly renovated facility, The Children’s Center. This early childhood development center has been serving about 100 children ranging in age from infants to four year olds for over three decades. However, the Easter tornados in the East Brainerd area brought a sudden and unexpected halt to their service.
After catastrophic damage experienced from the F3 tornado hit in April, the Children’s Center has now been completely restored. The reconstruction process of the Children’s Center began in June and will be ready to welcome returning and new families on Monday, Nov. 30. This 5-month project has moved along very quickly and with incredible results, said officials. Given the circumstances Grace Academy has been challenged with, they are very pleased with the dramatic outcome of this renovation.
Head of School, Matt Pollock shared that without the leadership of architects, Rardin & Carroll, as well as the expertise of general contractor, James Tyson and his team, this project would never have come together so effectively. He also stated, “I am grateful for the leadership of our director, Sheri Hicks and also our faithful staff who have stuck with us during this entire process. They are the heartbeat of the Children’s Center. I am very pleased to see so many of our families anticipating the return of their children to the loving and skillful care of our staff. It is certainly a tribute to our excellent staff that these parents have waited so patiently for us to open once again.”
Grace Children’s Center Directo, Sheri Hicks and her team have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure that the facility will be well equipped before bringing children back in the doors. “We are optimistic, yet cautious as we reopen knowing that we are reopening during flu season and with COVID cases on the rise. We are pleased to be using a new app that offers a great health screening program as well as procedures that will enhance our security,” said Ms. Hicks. The Center’s staff have been involved with in-service training classes to prepare them for the reopening as well as the unknown. While that may sound implausible, they have taken several precautions to ensure that they are maintaining health protocols, social distancing, and safety procedures. The Grace Children’s Center has a long-term reputation of a highly skilled and deeply compassionate staff who love their job and do not take their responsibilities lightly, said officials.
The Children’s Center looks quite different compared to what it looked like prior to the tornado. With new roofing and facade, etc. this facility has taken a complete 180 degree turn in the positive direction. Inside one will find new flooring, walls, ceilings, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment. It is brand new from top to bottom with all resources upgraded. When asked what she wanted people in the area to know, Ms. Hicks had this to say, “I want people to know that our newly renovated Children’s Center is SO beautiful. Our new state of the art playground offers our children new options for outdoor activity and creative learning opportunities. Who would have thought that even after the storm, the Lord would provide greater than ever before?”
Many have pointed out that the tornado was actually a blessing in disguise. It gave Grace the opportunity to perform a complete remodel. “We are extremely excited and thankful to God for this incredible blessing. He has made His Word come alive in what we have seen happen at the Children’s Center,” said Ms. Hicks. She has made it known to all of their constituency that Romans 8:28 came to life with this remodeling project. This passage from Scripture says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Grace Academy looks forward to welcoming their loved children back into the open arms of the Children’s Center. This is not just an early childhood learning program, this is a ministry of Christ’s love for little children and to all who want to be a part of His kingdom. Ms. Hicks and staff are deeply grateful to everyone who has made this reopening possible. They expressed that the contractors, volunteers, staff, church members, and the steering committee have worked hard to make this possible. “We pray that God greatly blesses each one for their gracious help in our time of need,” said Ms. Hicks. If you have not had a chance to visit the website, please make sure you do and consider enrolling your children in the Grace Children’s Center. There are still a few openings for a limited time!"
For more information, contact Ms. Hicks, Children’s Center director at shicks@mygracechatt.org or gracechildrenscenter@mygracechatt.org. Website: www.gracechildrenscenter.org