Pateros Treehouse Early Education Organization seeks funding.

“We are working hard to raise the remaining funds needed to open a childcare and early education facility in Pateros. Our total project is budgeted at $780,000 and we’ve secured $620,000 so far”, Treehouse President, Kailee Tanneberg said

The group needs to raise $110,000 by April 15, to enable the release the funds they have been awarded by the Department of Commerce through an Early Learning Facilities (ELF) Grant. They were notified last May that they had been chosen to receive a $540,000 grant, funds that would require a 25% match for the total project cost.

The group submitted a grant and/or loan application with the USDA Rural Development at the end of summer last year and were notified that it would be processed by October, no later than November. However, due to the COVID pandemic combined with and a huge case load, the application was not reviewed until this year. In mid-January, PTEEO was reassigned to a new contact. Though there has been some progress since then, there has been no confirmation of funding to date.

The PTEEO Board created an innovative approach to reach its goal. It is requesting donations in various amounts to fill in the artwork on its entry wall.

Childcare has been both a state and national concern for many years and has been at the forefront of discussions for community sustainability, economic vitalization, family, and child wellbeing. COVID-19 has only increased the future need for quality childcare since the pandemic has resulted in the closure of nearly 15 percent of all childcare facilities in Washington State.

PTEEO hopes that its revitalization and purchase of the community centric Church of Christ will help with the shortfall of needed childcare as the pandemic recovery continues. The facility will be a longstanding asset to the communities in the surrounding area. The PTEEO Board of Directors thanks those who have already generously contributed both in financial contributions and volunteerism,

Those who wish to help with this project can visit paterostreehouse.com/ online.