11th anniversary book 114 FINAL online - Flipbook - Page 35
Funds to Support Build Out of the Center
Círculo continued to work to get funds for the Center. Círculo submitted applications for Community Block
Development Grants (CDBG) and other small grants. Círculo was able to get a legislative grant that helped
to support some of the build out, furniture and space needed for educational activities, through support
from Senator Dean Skelos. This was vital to the project. Círculo also applied and received CDBG funding
from Nassau County to support important features of the Center. We were able to install fencing around the
facility and wall padding in the multipurpose room. Funding was also received from the Town of Hempstead
Supervisor, Kate Murray, to support the project. Through these additional funds, Círculo was able to build out
important features of the building that were vital to its operation. Mayor Wayne Hall, Sr., from the Village of
Hempstead, also supported Círculo with a small grant for an outdoor park.
Finding a Home for Evergreen
Círculo worked to find a home for Evergreen. One solution was to put Evergreen in Círculo Center.
Construction, however, would not be finished by school opening. Círculo worked to find temporary space
in the Lutheran Church in Hempstead. The site had been a former school and Evergreen was able to use
classrooms. Only four rooms for instruction were available for rent. As Evergreen was originally planned to
open in September of 2009 with only four classrooms, this space provided a limited temporary solution.
Círculo worked to find a permanent solution for Evergreen. The most viable option was for Círculo to give
up its business plan including an early childhood learning center, restaurant and other initiatives and allow
the Center to become the home for Evergreen. Círculo’s office would remain at 91 North Franklin, allowing
the school to expand onto the second floor. With this in mind, the second floor was repurposed to meet the
needs of the school.
Círculo’s Long Beach office served as a home base over the summer while staff were hired and preparations
were made to prepare for the school opening. Evergreen became a separate institution with a separate
functioning Board of Trustees, however, Círculo supported the school financially by providing money for
operations and important infrastructural support. Supplies had to be purchased, as well as furniture and other
materials to prepare for opening day. Tuition payments had not yet been received so Círculo continued to
support Evergreen throughout its first year of operation.
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