In January 2010, First State embarked on its largest capital campaign ever, working to raise funds to support major renovations to the organization's 70-year-old Sussex County headquarters building. After the campaign launched, the agency was presented with a challenge to raise $550,000 in local and private contributions (including pledges) in order to secure $350,000 from the Longwood Foundation.
The effort has been a challenge in light of the economy, but it has been a necessary undertaking.
"After almost 30 years, First State's facility can no longer support our important work to build stronger communities by helping our neighbors reach self-sufficiency," Board President Strine said. "The success of this campaign will mean First State Community Action's programs can continue to be a positive force in the lives of so many people."
Support has come in from a variety of partners, including Sussex County Council, Delmarva Power, Wilmington Trust, Fulton Bank, The Laffey-McHugh Foundation, Milton and Hattie Kutz Foundation, Delaware Community Foundation and others. Combined, they have helped the agency raise approximately 78 percent of the overall goal.
"First State Community Action Agency is a mainstay of our community and an organization that Sussex County simply cannot do without," County Council President Michael H. Vincent said in presenting a $25,000 check to the organization for the campaign. "The County is proud to pledge its support for this project, which will better the lives of our residents and make this a stronger community."
Agency officials said the renovations will transform First State's center, a 15,000-square-foot former warehouse, into a 21st century 'green' facility with enhanced safety and security features, an interactive computer lab, conference rooms, and ample office space. The improvements will help to accommodate the increasing caseload of clients the agency has assisted during the past five years.
Board President Strine said the improvements also will enable the development of a 2,700-square-foot state-of-the-art Community Resource & Training Center to house new and existing programs, such as the agency's Housing Counseling and the Youth Afterschool programs. The latter program already has more than 100 students on a waiting list because of space limitations.
"These renovations will have a significant impact on the communities of Delaware," First State Executive Director Edwards said. "The renovations will support new innovative job training initiatives (Choices), foreclosure prevention workshops, and community programs that will translate into many opportunities for people in Sussex County. If ever we needed the public's support, now is the time. These match dollars mean nothing if we can't get the local community to invest in this project."
Supporters said the campaign has the power to effect change and transform lives in Sussex County.
"By supporting this project, you help support First State's mission to serve and improve the lives of Delaware citizens and communities," said John Hollis of Nemours. "This organization helps give voice to those who can't otherwise speak for themselves."
Once the capital campaign concludes and the fund-raising goals are met, agency officials expect construction to begin in fall 2011 and be completed by summer 2012.
The effort has been a challenge in light of the economy, but it has been a necessary undertaking.
"After almost 30 years, First State's facility can no longer support our important work to build stronger communities by helping our neighbors reach self-sufficiency," Board President Strine said. "The success of this campaign will mean First State Community Action's programs can continue to be a positive force in the lives of so many people."
Support has come in from a variety of partners, including Sussex County Council, Delmarva Power, Wilmington Trust, Fulton Bank, The Laffey-McHugh Foundation, Milton and Hattie Kutz Foundation, Delaware Community Foundation and others. Combined, they have helped the agency raise approximately 78 percent of the overall goal.
"First State Community Action Agency is a mainstay of our community and an organization that Sussex County simply cannot do without," County Council President Michael H. Vincent said in presenting a $25,000 check to the organization for the campaign. "The County is proud to pledge its support for this project, which will better the lives of our residents and make this a stronger community."
Agency officials said the renovations will transform First State's center, a 15,000-square-foot former warehouse, into a 21st century 'green' facility with enhanced safety and security features, an interactive computer lab, conference rooms, and ample office space. The improvements will help to accommodate the increasing caseload of clients the agency has assisted during the past five years.
Board President Strine said the improvements also will enable the development of a 2,700-square-foot state-of-the-art Community Resource & Training Center to house new and existing programs, such as the agency's Housing Counseling and the Youth Afterschool programs. The latter program already has more than 100 students on a waiting list because of space limitations.
"These renovations will have a significant impact on the communities of Delaware," First State Executive Director Edwards said. "The renovations will support new innovative job training initiatives (Choices), foreclosure prevention workshops, and community programs that will translate into many opportunities for people in Sussex County. If ever we needed the public's support, now is the time. These match dollars mean nothing if we can't get the local community to invest in this project."
Supporters said the campaign has the power to effect change and transform lives in Sussex County.
"By supporting this project, you help support First State's mission to serve and improve the lives of Delaware citizens and communities," said John Hollis of Nemours. "This organization helps give voice to those who can't otherwise speak for themselves."
Once the capital campaign concludes and the fund-raising goals are met, agency officials expect construction to begin in fall 2011 and be completed by summer 2012.
First State is pleased to announce that we've successfully met our goal to receive The Longwood Foundation Challenge Grant!!
Phase 1 of the renovations to our 70-year old Sussex County headquarters has begun and is underway! (See pics below...)
Click here to donate to our Capital Campaign / Renovations Project.
First State sends a heartfelt THANK YOU to EVERYONE who has supported our Capital Campaign thus far!
First State sends a heartfelt THANK YOU to EVERYONE who has supported our Capital Campaign thus far!
On November 8, 2011, First State Community Action Agency Inc. received a $5,000 check from Fulton Bank in support of building renovations to their Sussex County headquarters in Georgetown.
The contribution was part of the $900,000 capital campaign to modernize their 70-year old building into a state-of-the-art facility to include more offices, computer lab, and a community resource and training center. The center will allow the non-profit agency to expand existing programs and services and offer community health and educational workshops, afterschool programs, and job trainings to more people in need. Renovations are expected to continue until 2012 and be completed by Summer 2012.
The contribution was part of the $900,000 capital campaign to modernize their 70-year old building into a state-of-the-art facility to include more offices, computer lab, and a community resource and training center. The center will allow the non-profit agency to expand existing programs and services and offer community health and educational workshops, afterschool programs, and job trainings to more people in need. Renovations are expected to continue until 2012 and be completed by Summer 2012.
Phase 1 Continues: This phase includes the demolition and reconstruction of the back portion of First State's building. The area which once included 6 offices, staff break room, conference room, breezeway, storage, and bathroom will be the new site of a 2700 sq ft, state of the art, Community Resource & Training Center as well as additional office space, restrooms, and break room. Phase 1 is expected to be completed by Feb 2012.
Pictured at the site of renovations (left to right) is First State Executive Director Bernice Edwards, Fulton Bank Georgetown Branch Manager Linda Price, and Randy Taylor, President of the Delaware National Division of Fulton Bank.
