MACC Renovation Project
Early Connections is partnering with the Mercy Center for Women to renovate space inside the Mercy Anchor Community Center, creating a new early learning center that will expand access to quality child care for children and families in Erie.
This project is about more than opening a child care center. It is about responding to a larger community need and bringing early care and education into a location where families already have access to housing, services, and support.
What We Are Building
The renovated space will become a new Early Connections early learning center with three classrooms serving infants, toddlers, and preschool children.
Once complete, the center is expected to serve up to 33 children and create 7 full-time jobs. The classrooms will be designed to provide safe, nurturing, high-quality early learning experiences during the most important years of a child’s development.
Planned classrooms:
- Infant classroom
- Toddler classroom
- Preschool classroom
Why MACC?
The Mercy Anchor Community Center is located on the Mercy Center for Women campus and serves as a hub for housing, resources, and family support.
By adding early learning classrooms to this location, Early Connections will help provide child care in a place where other important supports already exist. This model helps reduce barriers for families and creates stronger connections between child care, family stability, and long-term success.
The project will support families connected to Mercy Center for Women as well as families in the surrounding area who need access to reliable, high-quality child care.
Why This Project Matters
Access to child care affects families, children, employers, and the broader community. When families cannot find reliable child care, it can impact work, education, housing stability, and overall well-being.
Early Connections is not opening a center simply to expand. We are addressing a real need in an area where additional child care options and family supports are needed.
The MACC Renovation Project will help create a stronger foundation for children and families by connecting quality early learning with supportive services in one community-centered location.
How Donations Help
Donations to support the MACC Renovation Project help move the space from renovation to enrollment. Contributions support the work needed to prepare classrooms, purchase supplies and equipment, and create a welcoming early learning environment for children and families.
All 2026 Erie Gives Day donations made to Early Connections will be directed toward the MACC Renovation Project.
Support the Project Through Erie Gives Day
Make a Gift to Early Connections
Project Timeline
Summer 2026: Finalize planning and contractor agreements.
Fall 2026–Spring 2027: Complete renovations, safety and accessibility upgrades, furnishings, equipment, security, and approvals.
Mid-2027: Prepare for occupancy, licensing, and enrollment.
Questions?
For questions about the MACC Renovation Project or ways to support Early Connections, please contact:
Jordan Ott, Early Connections Director of Advancement
Email: jott@earlyconnectionserie.org
