WNC Business -- October 10, 2026: In a major development for Western North Carolina’s early childhood infrastructure and local workforce support, community action agency WNCSource has been awarded a $3.36 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Administration for Children and Families. The federal award will fund the construction of the new Rutherford Children’s Center, a dedicated early learning facility aimed at expanding child care access in Rutherford County.
The planned 7,300-square-foot facility will be constructed just outside Rutherfordton off John Smith Road, situated on a one-acre parcel transferred by the Gateway Wellness Foundation for a nominal fee. Total project costs—encompassing construction, interior outfitting, learning materials, and state licensing—are estimated at $4.2 million. WNCSource, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is actively pursuing additional local foundation grants and private contributions to bridge the remaining funding gap.
Expanding Early Head Start and Workforce Infrastructure
Rutherford County faces pronounced child care availability challenges, operating in a largely rural service area where one in four children under age five lives in poverty. Working parents across the county routinely encounter severe shortages of infant and toddler care, creating hurdles for sustained employment and regional economic growth.
The Rutherford Children’s Center directly addresses this critical capacity gap:
Capacity and Services: The facility will provide comprehensive Early Head Start programming for up to 40 infants and toddlers (ages six weeks to three years) and expectant mothers across Rutherford County annually.
Flexible Facility Design: In addition to primary classrooms, blueprints include an adaptable learning lab designed to convert into extra classroom space as community needs grow.
Support for Tri-Share and Private Pay: The flexible layout allows WNCSource to expand beyond federal Early Head Start slots, providing future capacity for private-pay families and the NC Tri-Share Childcare pilot program, which splits child care costs evenly among eligible employees, participating employers, and the state.
Timeline: Project development and site preparation are slated to begin shortly, with total construction expected to span approximately 24 months.
Community Coalition Drives Regional Investment
WNCSource currently operates Early Head Start services in Forest City, and the new John Smith Road location will significantly expand its operational footprint in the county. The initiative secured broad regional backing prior to federal selection, receiving formal letters of support from Rutherford County Schools, the Town of Rutherfordton, and Isothermal Community College.
By combining federal capital investment with local philanthropic partnerships, the Rutherford Children’s Center is designed to deliver immediate relief to working families and establish a resilient, long-term foundation for Rutherford County’s regional economy.
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Immediate Project Checklist and Next Milestones
Site Survey & Permitting Review: Complete geotechnical evaluation and municipal zoning review for the 1-acre John Smith Road parcel.
Capital Gap Campaign: Finalize grant applications to regional philanthropic partners and corporate donors to secure the remaining balance toward the $4.2 million total project estimate.
Architectural & Contractor Bidding: Issue RFP packages for general contracting and engineering services aligned with federal DHHS construction standards.
Licensing Alignment: Coordinate with the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) to align physical plans with infant/toddler facility licensing thresholds.
Image: WNCSource