SHELTERING ARMS ACQUIRES THE MOTHER HALE LEARNING CENTER

The Mother Hale Learning Center adds a history of positive impact in Harlem to Sheltering Arms’ Early Childhood Education program

NEW YORK, May 4, 2015 – Sheltering Arms announced that it has acquired the Mother Hale Learning Center from Hale House. The Mother Hale Learning Center meets a tremendous need in Harlem by offering high-quality, affordable Early Childhood Education. Sheltering Arms will begin operating the site immediately and all participating families will continue to be served by the center. Opened in 2006, the Mother Hale Learning Center serves 45 children ages six weeks to five years, many of whom come from high-need backgrounds. Guided by the founding principles of Mother Hale – a nationally recognized humanitarian – programming at the site cultivates each child’s unique social, emotional, physical and cognitive development and helps them reach their full potential. The Mother Hale Learning Center is a natural fit for Sheltering Arms’ existing Early Childhood Education program, consisting of 11 centers that are widely renowned for innovation and results. More than 90% of children in Sheltering Arms’ Early Childhood Education programs meet or exceed school readiness standards by end of year, up from just 45% in the beginning of the year. “We are thrilled that the legacy of Mother Hale will live on through Sheltering Arms,” said Randolph McLaughlin, Chairman of the Hale House Board of Directors. “The Mother Hale Learning Center is a true Harlem institution, and through Sheltering Arms, the community’s families and children can continue to rely on a high level of care.” Formerly Episcopal Social Services, Sheltering Arms has become one of the City’s most recognized providers of Early Childhood Education, mental health, and juvenile justice reform programs. Sheltering Arms is frequently tapped as an expert in the child welfare field, and frequently partners with leading universities and foundations to launch innovations in programming. In the coming year, Sheltering Arms will strengthen its Early Childhood Education program through initiatives in mental health, family engagement, and 21st century technology implementation. “The Mother Hale Learning Center represents the very best in Early Childhood Education: compassion, opportunity, and impact,” said Ken Kramer, Chairman of the Sheltering Arms Board of Directors. “We’re looking forward to expanding our program and ensuring that even more of Harlem’s children can maximize their potential.” About Sheltering Arms Sheltering Arms strengthens the education, wellbeing, and development of high-need children and families across the New York metro area. We serve nearly 20,000 people a year from the Bronx to Far Rockaway. Through compassion, innovation, and partnership, we respond to our community’s greatest needs and enable individuals to reach the greatest heights of their potential. Contact:

Mohan Sivaloganathan Phone: (212) 886-5604 msivaloganathan@shelteringarmsny.org

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