MOUNT VERNON —  A $300,000 investment will soon transform the New Hope Early Education Center in Knox County.

The Knox County Foundation awarded the grant to the Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities (KCBDD) as part of more than $1 million in competitive funding approved on Feb. 11.

The foundation’s board approved $1,087,800 in grants to 16 nonprofits, including two $300,000 awards — the largest competitive grants in its history.

KCBDD will use its $300,000 award to renovate the New Hope Early Education Center, a five-phase capital project aimed at improving safety, accessibility and functionality.

A major investment in early education

“We are deeply grateful to the Knox County Foundation for this generous grant, which will have a tremendous impact on the New Hope Early Education Center and the community we serve,” KCBDD Superintendent Steve Oster said.

“Investments like this allow us to continue providing high-quality education and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and children from birth through age 5.”

The center houses Head Start and Educational Service Center classrooms and offices, where staff deliver education, therapy and developmental services.

The renovation will upgrade learning spaces, remove safety hazards, and expand access for underserved populations. It will also lower long-term operating costs, allowing leaders to reinvest in programs.

Oster said the building, which the county commissioners own, has required ongoing repairs for years.

Crews have replaced the roof, flooring and HVAC systems in the past. However, aging windows from 1952 and other large-scale needs have stretched the agency’s budget.

“We constantly do repairs,” Oster said. “But when you talk about windows from 1952, we don’t have that kind of money, and levy dollars can’t be used for the whole building.”

Five-phase capital project, no disruptions

KCBDD designed the project in five phases, including new doors, windows, heating and cooling upgrades, cosmetic refreshes and asbestos removal.

The agency recently secured another grant, which required spending within six months. Crews have already begun replacing doors at Head Start.

KCBDD also received funding from the Ariel Foundation and Operation Round Up to help advance the larger project.

Oster said the Ariel Foundation grant will help fund asbestos removal.

He said he hopes to complete as much work as possible this summer to limit interruptions. Ideally, work will finish in a single summer.

Daily programming will continue around the construction. Head Start classes may temporarily relocate to another classroom for a day or two during minor work, such as painting doors.

“Nobody will be disrupted,” Oster said. “We’ll work around the program to make sure nothing changes.”

Oster praised the collaboration inside the facility, noting Knox County remains one of the few counties to house all three partners under one roof. He called the community support for the project “amazing.”

He also said he looks forward to seeing the building feel efficient and welcoming again for children and families.

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