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Ribbon Cutting of East Wareham Early Education Center and 60th Anniversary of Head Start

September 3, 2025

WAREHAM, MA – South Shore Community Action Council (SSCAC) proudly marked a momentous occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newly renovated East Wareham Early Education Center, a project that not only expands access to high-quality early childhood education but also coincides with the 60th anniversary of Head Start.

The event drew state and local leaders, nonprofit partners, educators, and community members, all gathered to celebrate the opening of the state-of-the-art facility and reflect on six decades of Head Start’s transformative impact on children and families.

“For 60 years, SSCAC has provided Head Start – the gold standard in early education and care for the development and school readiness of the region’s most vulnerable children who, from the start, have so many cards stacked against them – children who are homeless, children with disabilities, and children who have endured abuse, neglect, and the chronic stress of poverty,” said Lisa Spencer, CEO of SSCAC. “This beautifully restored building represents far more than bricks and mortar. This investment in early childhood development will produce a ripple effect throughout the town of Wareham, leading to increased educational attainment, improved health outcomes, stronger families, and a more resilient community.”

Built in 1919 and last renovated in 1997, the former East Wareham Elementary School long served as a community cornerstone. SSCAC purchased the building in 2022 at auction from the Town of Wareham and has since transformed it into a vibrant learning hub, featuring:

• Six new preschool and infant/toddler classrooms
• A fully equipped commercial kitchen for daily meals and snacks for all children
• A dedicated nurse’s office
• New windows, siding, and updated infrastructure
• A redesigned outdoor play and green space

This major investment comes on the heels of SSCAC’s 2019 expansion to address a childcare gap in Wareham. Following a $1.18 million annually-renewing federal grant, SSCAC’s need for a larger, permanent facility became clear. The renovation was completed in partnership with R2 Architects and South Coast Improvement Company, both of whom were praised for their expertise and dedication throughout the project.

SSCAC’s Early Education program currently serves more than 500 children annually through five centers in Plymouth and Barnstable Counties. The renovation of the East Wareham Early Education Center is central to SSCAC’s ability to expand enrollment, pursue new funding opportunities, and create local jobs.

Dan Shannon, President of SSCAC’s Board of Directors, underscored the long-term impact of the investment:

“The renovation of this Center ensures that the next generation of learners will begin their journey in a space that is safe, inspiring, and filled with possibility. It’s a place where curiosity will be nurtured, confidence will take root, and the foundation for lifelong learning will be laid.”

The celebration also honored key philanthropic partners whose support helped make the project possible, including:

• The John A. McNeice Jr. Charitable Foundation
• The Eastern Bank Foundation
• The Amelia Peabody Charitable Fund

Special guests in attendance included representatives from the offices of Congressman Bill Keating, the MA Head Start Association, the MA Department of Early Education and Care, and the MA Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, among others.

As the ribbon was officially cut, attendees were invited to tour the new facility and experience firsthand the transformation of a historic school into a beacon of opportunity for generations to come.

SSCAC is now enrolling infants, toddlers, and preschoolers at its East Wareham Early Education Center. For enrollment information, call (508) 927-5772 or visit www.sscac.org/early-education.