Fundraising Goal: $5,000
Verified 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
St. Michael's Renovation and Expansion Project: Help Us Reach the Finish Line!
Organization Mission:
St. Michael’s is dedicated to building strong foundations for all children in the first five years of life and to supporting families as their educational journey begins. We foster a safe, nurturing, inclusive environment and seek the highest standards in our practice, curriculum, and professionals. We are committed to the community we serve and believe a sense of community is a core strength for children, families, and educators.
The renovations over the past two years have addressed critically needed exterior upgrades, replaced infrastructure and added two classrooms that will double enrollment to nearly 200 children.
The Faculty Resource Center includes a new staff lounge, workroom and quiet space for teachers, reinforcing our commitment to the workforce. The project will also strengthen St. Michael’s role as an essential community hub with designated spaces for educational programs and support services for our families and residents of the Eastside of the City of Wilmington, where 60% live in poverty.
Though construction is finally complete, St. Michael’s is still fundraising to meet our $6.7 million campaign goal so we can fulfill our financial obligations. The project has received tremendous support from the Delaware Congressional delegation, local foundations and businesses as well as dedicated individual donors like you.
We are thrilled that we have reached 95% of our fundraising goal! We're so close to the finish line! With additional support, we know we can achieve our goal.
Having a beautiful, welcoming environment for young children to attend each day fosters a sense of safety and a desire to be there. It can raise their expectations, self-esteem, and connection to others, which in turn leads to greater focus, engagement, and enjoyment.
Just like our new facility, St. Michael’s next era will be full of light and hope because of all of you. Please help us reach the finish line with our campaign! THANK YOU!
About St. Michael's School and Nursery
Originally part of St. Michael’s Episcopal Mission, the program was founded in 1890 to ensure the safety of children while their parents worked at the riverfront tanneries. In the early 1900’s, St. Michael’s also operated a hospital for babies, serving as the sole medical facility for families of color in the city. Throughout the 1920’s and 30’s, the institution extended its support to homeless and abandoned children while facilitating adoptions.
Our families reside primarily in or near the East Side of Wilmington, one of the poorest communities in the city.
- 40% of our students reside there and 75% of our families have less than $40,000 in annual household income.
- 95% of our students are from families of color and 80% are eligible for Purchase of Care, the childcare subsidy from the state for families living in poverty.
- 58% of our students live in single parent households.
- Our staff reflect the community's rich diversity. Many are life-long residents of the city and/or the Eastside neighborhood.
Research shows that investing in quality early education programs for birth to age 5 can:
► Eliminate the achievement gap
► Improve health and education outcomes
► Reduce crime rates
► Yield a return on investment of 13%
St. Michael’s offers developmentally appropriate curricula that practices a “whole child” approach. We strive to ensure that each child’s unique, individual physical, emotional, social and intellectual needs are met. We maintain a firm commitment to supporting working families, just as we did 135 years ago.
Organization Details
Name:
St. Michael's School and Nursery
EIN: 510066741
Street Address:
700 N. Walnut Street
City: Wilmington
State: DE Zip: 19801
Counties Served: New Castle
Office Locations: Wilmington
Sectors: Community Improvement, Education, Kids, Public & Societal Benefit, Childcare, Family Services
Recent Donations
- Jack Stucker $100
-
Susan Sherk
(in honor of LUCINDA ROSS) $25 - Johanna Seda $50
- Penelope Lindell $50
- CAROLYN BOWMAN ---
- JASON TINURELLI $250
- J. Harry Feldman $50
- Heidi Beck $50
- Lucinda Ross $50
- Candice Buchanan $25