LILBURN, Ga. — Childcare facilities across the country and in Georgia are struggling to keep their doors open after pandemic-era federal funding dried up in September.
Georgia's STABLE 4ward program was launched during the pandemic to help childcare facilities stabilize costs to maintain their programs -- but that funding ended in September. Many in the industry say the pandemic changed a lot of things, which resulted in higher costs to maintain staffing and curriculum needs.
Seven Oaks Academy is a childcare center in Lilburn that has been around for decades. The daycare's owner, Erica Gwyn, said it's a staple in the community and one that she hopes can stay around to help future families.
"People will say, 'I'm a grandma and I want my grandchild to go here because I sent their parent here,' so it's nostalgic for me to be able to talk to families," Gwyn said.
Gwyn, who oversees Seven Oaks, said despite increasing tuition, it's not enough to meet the demands.
“We added cameras in our schools, higher training of our staff, investing more dollars -- there was so much more added to make this comfortable environment," Gwyn explained. "That hidden overhead really created another barrier to being able to stay successful."
The beloved childcare center that's been recognized in Gwinnett County for decades is on the brink of closure. Coming up on 35 years in business helping out countless families, Gwyn said she is hoping for 35 more -- but that doesn't come without a fight.
"As a former child in foster care, I know the impact and devastation that instability in a child’s life can cause," Gwyn said. "Seven Oaks Academy is at a critical juncture where the unwavering support of our community can truly make the difference between the joyous laughter of children echoing in our halls or the heart-wrenching silence that comes with closed doors."
In partnership with the Black Montessori Education Fund (BMEF), the daycare has launched an initiative with the goal of raising $250,000 by the end of the year to bridge the financial gap. You can donate here.
"We are accepting donations," Gwyn said. "We do have a nonprofit partner...so that any donation is tax deductible. The fight is not over for a lot of centers. I think of my peers in rural Georgia across the state. They are probably, if not the same, worse situations than Seven Oaks."