GORHAM, NH – A long-sought expansion opportunity has become a reality for the Gorham Community Learning Center with the recent purchase of the commercial building at 355 Main Street in Gorham. The property, formerly owned by Lighthouse Credit Union, was sold to the nonprofit early learning center in a transaction that will allow the organization to significantly increase access to quality child care in the community.

The building, prominently located on Main Street, offers a flexible layout, ample square footage, and convenient access, making it an ideal location for early childhood education. Its central location and existing infrastructure will support the Gorham Community Learning Center's plans to create additional classrooms and program space through upcoming renovations.

"This new space will allow us to expand our center and expand the amount of students we can serve," said Melinda Fauteux, director of the Gorham Community Learning Center. "We have had a waitlist for years, and this expansion will help address the critical shortage of child care in our region so more families can access the high-quality care they need. We are incredibly grateful for the community support that helped make this long journey come to fruition."

Securing the right location was a multi-year process. Funding for the purchase was made possible through the efforts primarily led by Harrison Kanzler of AHEAD (Affordable Housing, Education and Development). According to Fauteux, Kanzler and the AHEAD team helped pull in financing support from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In addition, AHEAD & the Gorham Community Learning Center were able to pull in additional funding for renovations through grants from the Northern Border Regional Commission and Congressionally directed spending from Reps. Annie Kuster and Maggie Goodlander. Fauteux said renovation work is expected to begin soon.

Members of Lighthouse Credit Union will still be able to access services, as they have kept the drive though area, with the existing ATM on site. "As a member-owned credit union, being a helpful partner in the communities we serve is central to our mission," shared Neil Gordon, Chief Financial Officer at Lighthouse Credit Union. "Our role goes beyond financial services, it's about strengthening our communities. We were pleased to help make this closing possible by offering favorable pricing and terms to the Gorham Community Learning Center, enabling them to expand their space and meet a critical need. Access to quality childcare is essential for working families, and we're proud this decision will have a lasting, positive impact on the community."

Founded in 1978, the Gorham Community Learning Center serves children from six weeks of age through 4 or 5 years old. In addition to its main location, the organization operates two satellite pre-kindergarten programs in the area. The center currently serves approximately 105 children across all sites, a number expected to grow.

The property was listed by Don Lapointe of Badger Peabody & Smith Realty and Jennifer Stewart of RE/MAX Northern Edge Realty represented the Gorham Community Learning Center as the buyer.

"This was truly a collaborative effort involving nonprofit partners, funding organizations, and the local real estate community," said Lapointe. "Finding the right building for a mission-driven organization like the Gorham Community Learning Center takes time, and it's rewarding to see a property transition into something that will have such a positive impact on families and the workforce in Gorham. Jennifer and I were pleased to work together to assist them."

Badger Peabody & Smith Realty is the North Country, Mt. Washington Valley, Lakes Region of New Hampshire, Western Maine, and Northeast Kingdom of Vermont representative of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®. With eight offices and more than 65 full-time agents, the company provides residential, commercial, and business brokerage services throughout the region. More information can be found at BadgerPeabodySmith.com.