3rd Family Center In Howard County Opened By United Way Of Central Maryland

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — United Way of Central Maryland opened its third family center in central Maryland this fall.

Located at 7115 Columbia Gateway Drive, the Columbia Family Center offers childcare and early childhood education to Howard County parents.

"Our wish for our families and children is a bright, stable future – and that starts right here,” said Franklyn Baker, president and CEO, United Way of Central Maryland. “The pandemic has illuminated the critical need for childcare in our country. This family center is a symbol of our commitment to provide affordable, accessible childcare; enriching early childhood education; and an array of supportive services for children and their families in high-need communities.”

Designed as an early learning “home” to accommodate up to 73 children, the new center offers certified childcare to Howard County families who are working but still struggling to make ends meet.

“United Way’s new Family Center is a result of much-needed investment for so many hard-working families in our community, many of whom struggle with childcare costs and other basic needs,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “We continue working hard for all our children to be successful and ready to become their best selves. This Center will create more opportunity for families.”

“It is so critical for parents to have a safe place for their children to learn and grow as they juggle the daily demands of maintaining employment, staying safely housed, and feeding their families,” added Jackie Scott, director of the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services. “Places like this Family Center help reduce the stress and strain on families struggling to just make ends meet."