PORT JERVIS – It’s officially open as of this week. Project Discovery in Port Jervis now has doubled its former classroom space, a new gym, and tiny toilets; all are part of its new preschool facility at 197 Jersey Avenue. Project Discovery’s new facility includes an adjoining outreach center with new freezers, refrigerators, and an expanded storage and monthly distribution space.
The new location, which was officially opened this week, includes six student-ready classrooms, offices, a fenced-in playground, and an adjoining outreach center.
It was given an official welcome and ribbon-cutting on Wednesday afternoon, September 27. Approximately 50 officials, staff and volunteers turned out to celebrate the new facility’s opening and the positive impact it will bring to local individuals and families.
The new location has double the number of classrooms that were available in Project Discovery’s former East Main Street facility. The increased classroom space will allow more children with diverse needs to be served, and will include meals for students during each school day.
Mary Moran, executive director of Easter Seals of New York, praised the work of Project Discovery’s staff and what she said has been yeoman’s work and countless hours provided by the staff in moving and setting up the new facility. She also praised supporters and volunteers who help throughout each year, and whom she said make a real difference in their community.
“Welcome to what we think is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to early childhood in this community,” Moran told supporters gathered in the Jersey Avenue school yard on Wednesday. “Port Jervis is an amazing community with regular volunteers who can look around and say, ‘yes, I had a role in this’. We thank each and every one of you.”
Jim Malatras, chief strategy officer and senior vice president for Education in Easter Seals of New York’s umbrella FEDCAP group, praised the efforts that brought what he called “a gorgeous new community facility” to Port Jervis.
“The children now have a gym – finally — and little toilets which are all the rage. This facility is going to do a lot of good for students, and for the community,” Malatras said. “After 23 years with Easter Seals serving Port Jervis, this expansion will help fill more of the need and continue to bring a sense of empowerment for all that it serves.”
