Impact Report: 2021–2025

ECFS has demonstrated measurable success across multiple initiatives:

Child Care Entrepreneur Steward Training Program

In collaboration with the Leaders for Equitable Local Economies (LELE) and NewVue Communities, Inc., ECFS has:

  • Graduated over 200 small family child care entrepreneurs across 14 cohorts.
  • Achieved 94% participation by women of color.
  • Supported more than 20 licensed providers with start-up grants to launch their businesses.
  • Enabled more than 50 licensed providers to open family child care programs in Fitchburg alone.

Trauma-Informed Care & Calming Kits

  • Trained 32 early childhood educators as trauma-informed care trainers.
  • Distributed over 700 calming kits from 2021–2025, supporting emotional regulation for more than 1140 children and their families/caregivers.

SNAP Outreach Program

  • Assisted low-income families in applying for SNAP benefits, improving food security through consistent outreach and collaboration with local partners.

Winter Coat Distribution

  • Distributed 132 winter coats annually in 2024 and 2025 to children in need, prioritizing immigrant and BIPOC families.

Food Rescue Partnership

  • Since 2023, partnered with Hannaford’s Food Rescue Program to receive 300–500 pounds of fresh produce three times a week.
  • Donated produce to local food pantries and volunteers serving unhoused individuals in the community.