For 30 years, the Springfield Area Parent Child Center (SAPCC) has worked hard to build bridges of support for children, families, and caregivers in the state of Vermont.
Founded in 1992, SAPCC is one of fifteen parent child centers in Vermont that make up the Vermont Parent Child Center Network (VPCCN). SAPCC services Southern Windsor and Northern Windham counties and supports over 4,000 individuals each year. Childcare, parent educational programs, community outreach and development, playgroups, family supportive housing—these are just a few of the services they offer.
A popular program at SAPCC are the free playgroups. Playgroups offer children and parents the opportunity to socialize, have fun, and learn in a safe environment. Whether it’s indoors, outdoors, or at various field trip locations around the community, children and families come together and build relationships with one another.
Playgroup participation has multiplied more than three-fold since this program began in 1992. Angela Kelley, the Associate Director at SAPCC, says, “Community playgroups are one of our core services. They provide countless opportunities for children, of course, but they also provide parents with valuable connections with others. We’ve seen long-lasting relationships built through playgroups time and time again.” Other vital programs at SAPCC include the Learning Together program, which provides resources for young parents, and the HEART program, which supports those grieving the loss of a pregnancy or an infant.
Margot Holmes, Executive Director at SAPCC, says, “Mascoma Bank has been an amazing donor for us. They truly make it possible for us to bring community development to the area.” Through Mascoma Bank’s support, SAPCC partners with schools and other local agencies to develop programming and events for families and children.
This winter, SAPCC is excited to host Santa’s Workshop, an event that welcomes Santa to town. Children decorate toys, visit with Santa, go room to room exploring his workshop, and collect gifts throughout the day. “Thanks to Mascoma Bank’s generous contributions, we are able to host events like these. We can’t thank the bank enough.”