With construction completed in March 1999, the McClure Multi-Generational Center brings together two of Burlington’s most respected non-profit groups -- The Champlain Senior Center and the Burlington Children’s Space -- in a new facility that allows the two programs to meet increasing needs for child care and senior services in a dramatically improved environment.  By co-locating and sharing common areas, equipment and some programming, the two agencies also will be realizing significant efficiencies and long-term cost savings.

The Champlain Senior Center provides nutritional, educational, social and recreational services to people 60 years of age and older, and serves as a resource for information on aging and aging services for older adults, their families and the community.  The Burlington Children’s Space is a licensed, nationally-accredited, non-profit child care center dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality child care to all families, regardless of income.  The children, ages six weeks to 12 years, come from economically, culturally, and developmentally diverse families.  At the suggestion of the City’s Community and Economic Development Office, these two organizations formed what is considered a model collaboration.

The Center provides a first-class facility for each organization while creating cost savings in construction through shared amenities such as a library computer center, conference space and health rooms.  Kitchen facilities are shared, with joint efforts to provide healthy meals to program participants.  A creative outdoor and play space allows for, and encourages, inter-generational activity.  Sharing picnic lunches, gardening plots and recreational activities will occur naturally.  Other resources, such as a staff training in CPR, safety, stress management and health, also will be offered jointly.

The Center was developed by the Burlington Community Land Trust as one of the last steps in a major redevelopment of what was formerly a seriously blighted area.  CDBG funding served as the risk capital for the environmental and legal work that was needed to secure the early, critical sources of funding.  With $75,000 from CDBG, project developers were able to launch a capital campaign and secure other public and private funding in the amount of $2,085,000 for construction of the facility.