Help build the Olive Tree

"My dream is to run a top of the line children's learning center in and underprivileged and underserved area for youth ages 6 weeks - 12 years old. A child's environment contributes greatly to the learning experience.

This has always been my heart's desire to give back and give beauty to the a community like the one I came from. All children should have the same opportunity to dwell and learn in beauty . . . I believe this is what will make the biggest difference!" - Sarah Gaines, Executive Director, Olive Tree Daycare & Learning Center

In 2013, Sarah Gaines acquired this 3000 squarefoot building in the Madison, TN. It is Sarah's plan to totally refurbish this building in order to serve the children in the area. Sarah wants parents to feel comfortable leaving their babies in her care and she wants the youth to have fun in a location tht will provide the maximum learning experience. The first phase of fundraising ($15,000) will help complete PHASE 1 and part of Phase 2 of our building plan.

Currently, Sarah runs an in-home daycare program for babies and toddlers. Since 2010 her program has successfully provided services for youth in her care. Sarah's plan is to transfer her in-home daycare to The Olive Branch growing from 15 youth to potentially enrolling 100 youth!

During the next 12 months we plan to tear down, rebuild, and upgrade the building with the hopes of bringing a PREMIUM learning experience to the underserved youth. The Olive Tree will provide daycare services for babies and toddlers (6 weeks - 4 years old) and house a before/after program youth ages 5 years old  - 12 years old. The location can hold 125 youth! What a wonderful addition the community!

We have a four phase redevelopment plan:


PHASE 1: The Rebuild - gutting the building, allowing it to be operational. This includes painting and drywall, flooring & rugs, plumbing for kitchen & bathrooms, and the ability to utilize the first wing of the building.



PHASE 2: The Details - this will include adding appliances and electronics that will allow the building to be functional. Including but not limited to: all kitchen appliances (new or nearly new), internet, laptops, and wi-fi services, cleaning appliances (vacuum, mops, brooms, etc), building security systems, and intercom.



PHASE 3: Student Services - purchasing and acquiring new and gently used AGE-APPROPRIATE equipment for incoming students. This includes (but not limited to) cribs, elevated cots, teaching supplies, desks, toys, student tables, and books.



PHASE 4: The Grand Re-Opening - the final phase will allow for landscaping and playground redesign. The final phase will end with a grand re-opeing tour and reception for our donors!

Take a tour of the building via the YouTube video. In addition, join the Olive Tree Facebook page to stay alert with building updates, announcements, pictures of the process. Also, take a look at our wish-list to see the items your donations will help us acquire.

Our plan is to have the Olive Tree operational by late spring and fully rebuilt (including landscaping) by the end of 2014. Will you help?