The Truth Staff
On Monday, April 15, staff, supporters and funders joined CEO Alethea Easterly to cut the ribbon and officially welcome Quality Time 3 into the Quality Time Day Care family of child-care providers. QT3 will serve school-aged pre-teens in before and after-school programs in addition to summer session programs.
Easterly opened Quality Time Day Care in 1999 to serve pre-school children – ages three and a half years and up. Nine years later she opened Quality Time 2 for kids in the early Head Start age range.
The funding for the new building in the Quality Time complex on Dorr Street was provided by three local institutions – Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union, Toledo Lucas County Port Authority and Signature Bank.
For TUFCU and TLCPA, the construction of QT3 was a groundbreaking experience in a number of ways.
“I think I’m more excited than Alethea,” said Suzette Cowell, CEO of TUFCU, during the groundbreaking event last year. “This is the first time Toledo Urban has been a part of a project like this; this is our pilot project.” Cowell was explaining the fact that the loan TUFCU extended was the first time the institution has provided construction funds.
“We’re changing our community and so proud that Miss Alethea allowed us to be part of this,” she added.
Craig Teamer, manager of Finance and Special Projects, previously stated: “There is a growing need for child care and day care for low-income and underserved families.” He told those present that the funds provided by the Port Authority were the first time its Revolving Loan Fund had been utilized.
“This is a double blessing that will provide day care and jobs,” Teamer said.
The new addition will not only provide needed educational services for the community but also economic benefits as well. Four staff members have been added to the Quality Time employee ranks when the new facility is up and running in the spring.
