Preschool for All Facilities Fund Benefits CAIRO

One of our Community Partners, the Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization (CAIRO), stands as a testament to the positive changes that Multnomah County taxpayers are enabling through their support of Preschool for All (PFA). The PFA Facilities Fund was set up to support the goal of achieving universal preschool in Multnomah County by 2030. The fund provides grants and technical support to early learning providers to expand and enhance their facilities. The financing, explicitly for facility-related costs, aims to support small businesses and nonprofits offering early education and ensure ample high-quality spaces for preschoolers in Multnomah County.

The impact of this initiative is evident in the growth of CAIRO's Early Learning program, which began in 2016 with a single Preschool Promise classroom and will operate seven classrooms in elementary school buildings across two counties by January. However, their expansion has been hampered by the school schedule, limiting them to a six-hour program. With their own center, CAIRO would be able to extend their hours, and better respond to the needs of their community.

Due to the support of the PFA Facilities Fund, CAIRO has been able to secure grants totaling $1.1 million along with technical assistance, leading to the acquisition and renovation of a building that will host five classes, serving up to 100 children. The Early Learning Center will also function as a communal hub for families beyond providing a high-quality preschool program. This is in line with CAIRO's mission to create a gathering spot where families can stay connected and share their culture.

The PFA Facilities Fund not only enables providers to overcome financial barriers but also assists them through the technical complexities of property development, construction, and real estate. CAIRO's Early Learning Center is a testament to the transformative effect of PFA’s investments. It exemplifies the role of innovative solutions in creating nurturing learning environments, which is vital for our Community Partners like CAIRO and the families they serve.