U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Business and Cooperative Programs Administrator Judith Canales (black suit) assists at the groundbreaking of the Riverhouse Children’s Center in Durango, CO on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. USDA RD provided $1.6 million in Community Facility loan funding for the project. USDA photo by Amy Mund.

Riverhouse Children’s Center in Durango, Colorado strives to provide high quality care and early education services to young children from ages six weeks through five years old.  In 2012, the center serves approximately 80 children in its five classrooms.  Realizing their current location needed updating and to be expanded, the entity sought out funding for the construction of a new two-story, 6,400-square foot building.  The entity was awarded a $1.6 million Community Facilities Loan from USDA Rural Development earlier this year.

Riverhouse recently marked the beginning of construction with a ground breaking ceremony attended by Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Judith Canales.  The new center will allow Riverhouse to serve the needs of families and children in La Plata County.   The new building will not only enhance the programming available but will also provide a handicap accessible center for the children and their families.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Business and Cooperative Programs Administrator Judith Canales (left) and President of the Board of Directors Kim Barker discuss the plans for the new $1.6 million in Community Facility loan funding for the Riverhouse Children’s Center in Durango, CO on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. USDA photo by Amy Mund.

High quality early childhood programs such as Riverhouse have been shown to directly influence the health, economic, and social outcomes of children. Through the efforts of USDA Rural Development and the support of local businesses and individuals, Riverhouse will have a direct impact on the community by helping these children take the first steps towards long term success. Construction will be completed next year.

To find out how your community can obtain USDA funding to make necessary improvements or add services, click here.

U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Business and Cooperative Programs Administrator Judith Canales (black suit) assists at the groundbreaking of the Riverhouse Children’s Center in Durango, CO on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. USDA RD provided $1.6 million in Community Facility loan funding for the project. USDA photo by Amy Mund.