The Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana has completed renovation of the Early Head Start-West Monroe Center located at 508 Austin Avenue in West Monroe, LA. After the facility suffered damage from freezing temperatures, the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana undertook extensive reconstruction to restore this center for young children in the community.
The need for the renovation project arose when freezing temperatures caused pipes to burst at the Early Head Start center on December 25, 2022. The resulting water damage throughout the entire building led to a total loss. Throughout this period, the Children's Coalition collaborated with the City of West Monroe, dedicated local contractors, and supporters to ensure a comprehensive and swift restoration process. The demolition commenced in March of 2023, renovations began in August of 2023, and were completed in November of 2023. The Early Head Start-West Monroe Center reopened on Monday, January 8, 2024.
Kristie Bardell, Executive Director of the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana, expressed her gratitude, stating, “Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana is honored to offer early education access through our Early Head Start program. Investing in our children’s future is a crucial step towards building thriving communities. We are fortunate to collaborate with the City of West Monroe, utilizing their space to provide this essential service.”