The Lexington Family Care Center could see a significant makeover in the future. That request is contained in Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton’s budget.
The mayor’s recommending $440,000 be spent on a facelift for the multi-program young mother and child facility off Red Mile Road. One item on the refurbishing list is new flooring, something which Family Care Center Director Sheila Horton-Holt said hasn’t happened since the 1989 opening. She said the makeover including a paint job will boost morale.
“If you’ll look around the walls right now they’re kind of a grey color, which is fine, but we’re wanting more of a brighter color that when you walk in you feel that cheerfulness,” said Horton-Holt.
Horton-Holt added a family-friendly environment is what’s being sought. The Family Care Center offers an early childcare program, peer education for mothers up to age 20, a home visitation program, and family case management.
Dariana Anota took classes to finish high school while her 13-month-old baby was cared for in the early childcare program. Anota said she felt comfortable continuing her studies at the Center.
“It’s great support because you have daycare here and you have teachers that care about you and your babies. It’s basically because they care about your education,” said Anota.
Sheila Horton-Holt said more than 30 mothers are enrolled in the peer education program and more than 70 children in early childcare.
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