Hochul Attends Opening Of Bridgehampton Child Care's New $3.3M Space

BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY — It was a proud day in Bridgehampton recently as Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the opening of the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center’s new $3.3 million facility.

Located on six acres donated to create BHCCRC in the early 1950s, the state-of-the-art, 7,828-square-foot building "marks a significant milestone in expanding vital services and serving lower-income working families living on Long Island’s East End," Hochul said.

With a focus on affordable child care, summer programs, and diverse recreational activities, BHCCRC empowers families and children while fostering social development, founders have long maintained.

"This new facility will help expand access to the high-quality child care options and educational programs families in East End and across Long Island deserve," Hochul said. "By investing in this state-of-the-art facility, we are investing in working parents and giving them the support they need to remain in the workforce while providing their kids with academic enrichment and care."

The BHCCRC, a historically Black, community-based institution, has been a "beacon of support for marginalized East End children and working families for generations," Hochul said.

BHCCRC offers flexible scheduling options, workforce training, after-school programs, summer and teen programs, college prep classes, and a food pantry. Featuring multiple classrooms, a computer lab, tutoring spaces, offices, additional bathrooms, community space, and a kitchen, the new Center will promote an inclusive and nurturing environment for learning, growth, and social development.

With an increased capacity, BHCCRC will be able to serve more children and families, strengthening the East End community by providing education, enrichment, child care, and support to those who need it the most, Hochul said.

BHCCRC promotes the well-being and sustainable growth of the region, Hochul added. Empire State Development is supporting the new Center with a $300,000 grant, recommended by the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council, Hochul said.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight reflected: "A thriving economy is tied to a workforce equipped with accessible child care options."

Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law added: "When we support working families, we strengthen our community and regional economy. From enriching young minds to enabling parents to excel in their careers, the Center’s new facility will nurture both the social fabric and economic potential of Long Island for generations to come."

New State Senator Anthony Palumbo also attended the event. "Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreation Center's new facility is helping to ensure that all families and children have access to exceptional and affordable childcare options on the East End of Long Island and addresses the region's growing demand for childcare services."

Assemblymember Fred W. Thiele, Jr. expressed pride and gratitude at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "It is a watershed moment for the Center, an historically black, community-based organization serving all marginalized East End children and families. The Center's educational and enrichment programs are a lifeline for working families. New York's investment in the Center is not just in bricks and mortar, but in the future of our community."

He added that under the "exceptional leadership" of Executive Director Bonnie Michelle Cannon, the Center fosters an inclusive environment that promotes growth, knowledge, and empowerment, regardless of background. "Together, we are building a foundation of hope and opportunity that will uplift generations to come," Thiele said.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said the facility offers an opportunity for Suffolk County families with flexible scheduling, workforce training, after-school programs, and more.

Town of Southampton Supervisor Jay Schneiderman lauded the progress. "The day has finally arrived to open up the doors of the center’s new building and welcome all the smiling children who will learn and grow here, within these walls. This community has been committed to this new learning center project because everyone understands that these children represent our future."

Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming said that, for decades, the Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreation Center has played a critically important role in providing childcare and educational services to the East End community, especially for those with limited resources.

"With the expansion of facilities, the Center now is able to increase what it offers to the community from after-school, music and summer programs to college prep and workforce training," she said.

Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center Executive Director Bonnie Michelle Cannon said she wanted everyone to know that The Center does much more than provide child care and recreational activities.

"We are a full-service community Center that has been here for 70 years," she said. "Every student gets personal mentoring and one-on-one guidance. We create opportunity and help level the playing field for our marginalized children and families. We pride ourselves on being a family."

The completion of the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center also reflects Hochul’s ongoing commitment to providing quality child care options for New York families, she said. As part of the FY 2024 budget, the governor secured a four-year, $7 billion investment in child care that included $500 million to bolster New York’s child care workforce through the workforce retention grant program and $4.8 million for a new employer-sponsored child care pilot program where participating employers, the state, and employees will split the cost of child care.