Le Jardin Community Center Serving and Growing
Le Jardin Community Center, Inc. has served the people of Homestead with a whole-child, whole-family approach for more than three decades, providing services for thousands of families in its time. Now, thanks to a $31.5 million expansion grant, Le Jardin announces an eighth facility as well as new services.
One of 62 applicants in the U.S., Le Jardin was the only program in Florida to receive the grant awarded through the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration of Children and Families, Office of Head Start, as part of the Early Head Start Expansion Funding Opportunity.
The new facility at Harris Field, formerly the YMCA, brings Le Jardin up to eight facilities in total and will improve the lives of more than 300 children and their families with access to high-quality education and comprehensive services. Le Jardin’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs will now serve over 1,000 children and families in the community.
The economic impact of the new facility on the community can also not be understated, as the lease agreement brings in a new revenue stream for the city, to the tune of approximately $250,000. CFO/COO of Le Jardin, Audelia Martinez, had this to say, “We are exploring new avenues to bring significant partnerships that will not only benefit Le Jardin’s children and families but the Homestead community as a whole.”
In addition to the new facility, Le Jardin is expanding with new Mobile Health and Mental Health Service buses. Through collaboration with FIU, CHI, and Meraki Health and Wellness, key services will be provided to the children and families of Homestead. “We want partners who understand our community and are eager to form meaningful connections and strong ties with our families,” said Eduardo Berrones, Chief Executive Officer of Le Jardin.
Le Jardin has provided comprehensive services to the Homestead community for more than three decades, ensuring that local children and families, including those with disabilities, have access to education, social services, dental care, health screenings, and healthy meals. The dedicated teachers and staff go above and beyond, creating safe, nurturing environments, and providing care to the community.
While the program is focused on education for Homestead’s youth, Le Jardin also caters to the children’s families and their needs.
Berrones added, “Our objective is to phase the families out of poverty and set them up for success.”
Planning for more expansion is underway, and the future could see the addition of a Wellness Center and even some Youth Sports leagues. Commenting on this, Berrones said, “We want to reaffirm to the community that Le Jardin is a valuable asset.”
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