Nonprofit gets $341,815 grant to help restore Henderson County landmark

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Western Carolina Community Action recently received a grant for $341,815 from the Dogwood Health Trust to help renovate and remodel the nearly 50-year old Tebeau Children’s Center.

The center was home to Stay n’ Play, Lovin’ & Learning and the Hendersonville School for Little Folks. Generations of Henderson County families have relied on the center for daycare and preschool since it opened in the 1970s.

WCCA purchased the aging center and surrounding property off 9th Avenue in Hendersonville in late 2020 with the intention of remodeling it to create a modern early childhood education center that would once again serve the community’s children and families.

When asked about the $1.69 million project cost, CEO David White explained, “There’s a great need for high-quality early childhood education programs in Henderson County. Our Head Start, Early Head Start and NC Pre-K programs always have a long waitlist. Commercial lease space for childcare is very difficult to find. By acquiring the Tebeau property and doing a renovation, we believe that there’s a real opportunity to invest in the future of our children while preserving a piece of our past.”

The Hendersonville-based nonprofit has obtained bank financing and raised $1,628,000 in public and private grants and donations to help save the Tebeau Children’s Center.

“We’re extremely grateful for this amazing gift from the Dogwood Health Trust!” White said in a news release. “Their support helps move us closer to the finish line and making this center a reality! Now we’re turning to the community to ask for help.”

White encouraged Henderson County residents and those interested in providing young children with a head start on their education to visit WCCA.org or call 828-693-1711 to find out more about the project.