LEXINGTON, Ky. — $3 million in federal funding is coming to Fayette County. It will pay for a new Head Start center. 

What You Need To Know

  • A 9,000-square-foot Head Start center is being built along the Shropshire lane in Lexington’s east end.

  • Central Kentucky leaders are helping mark the construction for the new site.

  • The project concludes over a decade’s worth of affordable infrastructure in the area.

 

Lexington’s late Dr. Zirl A. Palmer, the only African American 1960s drug store owner and pharmacist to be the namesake for the community action center and the new road that will connect to it.

Rep. Andy Barr, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, and the city’s urban council leaders embark on the final development for the William Wells Brown neighborhood.

Leaders highlighted the need for resources for single families in need of affordable housing relative to schools and other economical tools. “We also know that some neighborhoods are disproportionately affected by the achievement gap,” Barr said.

Housing up to five early childhood classrooms with over 50 spots available, the childcare center will prioritize three year olds nearing the age cut-off point. The community action building will also consist of environmentally friendly construction, like solar paneling and green space.

The new Head Start center marks the final development in the east end districts over 15 years of reconstruction. (Spectrum News 1/Sabriel Metcalf)

Councilman James Brown, who worked with Barr to help bring forth efforts, says among other groundbreaking events he has had a hand in, this will be one of the first with direct impacts on the lives of youth in the city.

“These projects are important to improve the quality of life in this community, but what I’m most proud of is that this project has the potential to transform lives.”

A longtime Head Start teacher and Lexington native, Community Action Executive Director Sharon Price says this community could use the support of new infrastructure. 

“Children need high-quality learning experiences as they prepare them to be successful in school and life, and parents need high-quality and affordable early childhood education and support so that they can go to work and they can make progress in their life,” Price said. 

For over 15 years, the city and community partners have worked to bring affordable housing and more to Shropshire and surrounding areas of the east end.

The community action council which will oversee the center has served nearly 2,000 of Kentucky’s youth, with Head Start programs in 13 counties. 

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