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WNCSource Awarded Grant to Build Children's Center in Rutherfordton

Sep 27, 2026 08:40AM ● By Emma Castleberry
WNCSource was awarded a $3.36 million grant from the DHHS Administration for Children and Families to build the new Rutherford Children’s Center. The new 7,300 square foot  center will be located outside Rutherfordton, off John Smith Rd. and is expected to take around 24  months to build. The Rutherford Children’s Center will provide Early Head Start programs for up to  40 children (age 6 weeks to 3 years) and expectant mothers each year from Rutherford County.  Building plans include the option to convert a learning lab into additional classroom space to  accommodate future demand for Tri-share care, private pay, or early childhood education programs. 

Rutherford County is a mostly rural community where 1 in 4 children under age 5 live in poverty. The community has long suffered from limited childcare and early education options that are both  available and affordable to area families.  

WNCSource currently provides Early Head Start programs in Forest City. The new Rutherford  Children’s Center will be built on a 1-acre piece of land generously transferred by the Gateway  Wellness Foundation for the nominal fee.  

Members of Rutherford County Schools, the Town of Rutherford, and Isothermal Community  College provided letters of support for the project that is designed to make a lasting impact on the childcare needs of Rutherford families. WNCSource, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit, plans to seek  additional funding through local grants and community support to cover the estimated $4.2 million cost of building, furnishing, and licensing the childcare center. 

Source: WNCSource.
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