United Way unveils new Utica child care center

A new child care center created to address poverty in Utica was unveiled Wednesday morning by the United Way of Mohawk Valley, the organization announced in a statement.

The Utica Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative (ESPRI) child care center is the product of a state-funded project led by the United Way. The center offerS child care services for a sliding scale fee based on income, according to United Way. Local agency Academics First was selected to operate the center.

ESPRI is a state initiative to combat poverty and promote economic mobility in the 16 cities with the highest poverty rates in the state.

Utica-ESPRI began in 2016 after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Utica would receive $1.5 million to support a community-driven poverty reduction strategy. Further funds have come from the Empire State Development Grants Program and Community Development Block Grant funding, according to the United Way.

The issue of round-the-clock child care came up when Utica-ESPRI asked community members how to address poverty in Utica.

"By listening to the community, it became clear the need for child care was a huge hurdle in combating poverty," Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri said in the statement.

The child care center, located on the first floor of the DeSales Center on Genesee Street, officially opened July 6. Hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The center will care for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years, and will eventually offer extended operating hours during weekday evenings, weekends, and holidays, according to the United Way.

"We have the chance to be a model for change and to demand that this be the minimum, not the exception," United Way Mohawk Valley Executive Director Erin Gutierrez Matt said in the statement.

The center will also employ approximately 30 staff members, including teachers, administrators, family advocates, a nutritionist, and kitchen and maintenance staff, according to the United Way.

To enroll a child or inquire about employment opportunities, visit Academics First's website at acedemicsfirstutica.org or call 315-624-0272.

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