BANGOR, Maine — Many Mainers struggle with finding child care, but one organization in Bangor is trying to address this problem.
Penquis, a nonprofit serving low- to moderate-income families, is proposing a 22,000-square-foot childcare center in the city that would serve up to 200 kids, from infancy to age 5.
The organization is looking to build the new facility on an undeveloped plot of land off Hillside Avenue, by the Hannaford on Broadway.
“We all know the real need for child care in the community, and we just think this is a great opportunity for Bangor’s future,” Renae Muscatell, Penquis' community relations manager, said.
Penquis plans to consolidate some of its early childhood education sites with the new “Bright Beginnings” center. The facility would allow the nonprofit to serve an additional 42 kids.
“This is a way to combine our resources and really help parents to get out there and to be able to work,” Muscatell explained.
Penquis hopes to expand its services that help low- to moderate-income families
“It's helped me out a lot, they're very resourceful for me, they've always guided me in the right direction to where I’ve needed to go,” Laura Botting said.
Botting is a single mom of three. Her kids go to Penquis’ center on Venture Way, but it took a lot to get them there.
“In general, child care, besides them, it's been hard for me. It's been a struggle,” Botting said.
She's not the only one struggling.
Melissa Holt, the owner of Growing Minds Early Learning Center in Bangor, said some families call her in tears looking for a spot for their child.
“Families are feeling defeated, whether it be cost-related, not receiving quality care, whatever it may be,” Holt said.
Holt, who is a mom of two, started Growing Minds in 2022, and it has only grown since. It is licensed for 75 kids and has 72 enrolled, leaving few openings.
She said right now there's a particular need for infant care, but her program and most others around the city are completely full.
“The need is tremendous, so the more centers that can open and remain open is beneficial to everybody, including child care providers that already exist,” Holt said.
Penquis hopes it will be able to start construction on the new child care center in late 2025.
The project will have to be approved by the Bangor Planning Board before it can proceed.