Rewiring For Kids
Donation protected
We need your help rewiring our child care dreams! In February 2018 I applied for a home equity loan and was turned down (not enough equity after 6 years of ownership). We needed $30k in renovations to our 115 year old building, so that it could meet code to operate as a Montessori and RIE based 12 child care facility. Since then, we have boot strapped and scrounged saving nearly $25k in labor and material costs. However, we're at the 11th hour and need a certified electrician to remove the old knob and tube wiring throughout our classroom ceilings and install new wiring that meets code. The quotes we've received for this work run about $5K. Your donation will help us surmount the mountain of remodeling we've undertaken as our mission to expand our care services from 3 children up to 12!
About Us: As a social enterprise in the heart of Huntington WV, So Social has coordinated drop-in hourly short term care, specifically assisting young families with children aged 0-3 years, for the last 5 years. What began as free mommy and me classes in the basement of Central United Methodist Church in the West End of town, has grown into a hub of free enrichment classes, free indoor play space, parenting programs, and full service child care based in Montessori and RIE principles. Our goal is to continue expanding quality alternative education concepts, such as Montessori, Waldorf, RIE, and beautiful play environments which focus on simple nature based play and promote healthy lifestyle activities, while avoiding plastic, electronics, screen time, and highly processed foods for our youngest children and their families. We want all families to use So Social as a true child care resource!
Our plan: When renovations are complete, we will qualify as a WV Registered Child Care Facility, able to service up to 36 children with up to 6 adult full time staff, and at least 6 part time staff, divided into 3 sessions of 12 children each: morning, afternoon, evening. We will be the only hourly child care operation in the Huntington tri-state area, offering short term occasional care for families when running errands such as grocery shopping or doctor visits or when just needing a coffee break. In addition to quality inspired care, we will continue to offer free event space for family focused programs, such as Exotic Animal Science, Yoga for All, French and Spanish language classes, Montessori 101, RIE Fundamentals, Baby Class, Mommy and Me, Container Gardening for Health, Board Game Night, Doula 101, Baby Wearing Basics, Infant CPR, Natural Baby Food, as well as offering space for birthday parties, graduations and more! So Social is a true parenting hub for our Huntington community, but we need your help right now to make this dream come true!
Breakdown of Needs UPDATED 03/15/2019:
1) COMPLETED - Removal of redundant knob and tube wiring and installation of new wall molding wire for ceiling lights and hard wired fire alarms (vs battery operated fire alarms). Estimated cost: $5-7.5k (Actual cost: $6000)
2) Installation of 2 fire rated doors and auto closures. Estimated cost for materials: $500 Labor: $2000 *we are graciously accepting volunteer labor for this bit!
3) Installation of utility sink and plumbing. Estimated cost: $600 * we have the sink, we need PVC piping and volunteer labor for this last bit! (SCHEDULED INSTALLATION for 3/16/2019!)
4) Installation of handrail on exterior backyard steps (wrought iron rail needs to be welded back at break, or replaced). Estimated cost: unknown
THAT'S IT!
With these final renovations we should meet code for opening as a child care facility! This will greatly expand hourly child care options for downtown Huntington, provide jobs, and help families who need indoor play and event space. Thank you for sharing and helping make our community a better place! Help us re-wire child care for Huntington families, donate today!
About Us: As a social enterprise in the heart of Huntington WV, So Social has coordinated drop-in hourly short term care, specifically assisting young families with children aged 0-3 years, for the last 5 years. What began as free mommy and me classes in the basement of Central United Methodist Church in the West End of town, has grown into a hub of free enrichment classes, free indoor play space, parenting programs, and full service child care based in Montessori and RIE principles. Our goal is to continue expanding quality alternative education concepts, such as Montessori, Waldorf, RIE, and beautiful play environments which focus on simple nature based play and promote healthy lifestyle activities, while avoiding plastic, electronics, screen time, and highly processed foods for our youngest children and their families. We want all families to use So Social as a true child care resource!
Our plan: When renovations are complete, we will qualify as a WV Registered Child Care Facility, able to service up to 36 children with up to 6 adult full time staff, and at least 6 part time staff, divided into 3 sessions of 12 children each: morning, afternoon, evening. We will be the only hourly child care operation in the Huntington tri-state area, offering short term occasional care for families when running errands such as grocery shopping or doctor visits or when just needing a coffee break. In addition to quality inspired care, we will continue to offer free event space for family focused programs, such as Exotic Animal Science, Yoga for All, French and Spanish language classes, Montessori 101, RIE Fundamentals, Baby Class, Mommy and Me, Container Gardening for Health, Board Game Night, Doula 101, Baby Wearing Basics, Infant CPR, Natural Baby Food, as well as offering space for birthday parties, graduations and more! So Social is a true parenting hub for our Huntington community, but we need your help right now to make this dream come true!
Breakdown of Needs UPDATED 03/15/2019:
1) COMPLETED - Removal of redundant knob and tube wiring and installation of new wall molding wire for ceiling lights and hard wired fire alarms (vs battery operated fire alarms). Estimated cost: $5-7.5k (Actual cost: $6000)
2) Installation of 2 fire rated doors and auto closures. Estimated cost for materials: $500 Labor: $2000 *we are graciously accepting volunteer labor for this bit!
3) Installation of utility sink and plumbing. Estimated cost: $600 * we have the sink, we need PVC piping and volunteer labor for this last bit! (SCHEDULED INSTALLATION for 3/16/2019!)
4) Installation of handrail on exterior backyard steps (wrought iron rail needs to be welded back at break, or replaced). Estimated cost: unknown
THAT'S IT!
With these final renovations we should meet code for opening as a child care facility! This will greatly expand hourly child care options for downtown Huntington, provide jobs, and help families who need indoor play and event space. Thank you for sharing and helping make our community a better place! Help us re-wire child care for Huntington families, donate today!
Fundraising team (3)
Tia Fix
Organizer
Huntington, WV
Denise Poole
Team member
Jessie Maynard
Team member
