The Bridgewater Area Community Foundation

Our Mission 

To provide a vibrant center where the people of Bridgewater and the surrounding towns can gather as part of a caring, diverse community of people from all ages and walks of life. The BACF fosters education, artistry, commerce, health and wellness, personal growth and connection. We strive to meet the basic needs of all citizens in a resilient space that will continue to serve, and function, when it is needed the most.

 

 January 25, 2022
Dear Bridgewater Community,

The Bridgewater Area Community Foundation to date has now achieved (and surpassed) our 2021 Phase Two fundraising goal of 1.4 million dollars, raising $1,505,549 through donations, grants and pledges. Surpassing our original goal was made possible through the Preservation Trust of Vermont Bruhn Grant of $100,000 to historically update all windows and doors. Thank you all for your generous donations and time dedicated to this effort. It has been a long road, but we have light at the end of the tunnel!

Phase One construction and updates for the Bridgewater Community Childcare, located in the 1991 addition at the rear of the building is near completion. We have received our occupancy certificate with the State and continue with the Vermont licensing process. Bridgewater Community Childcare has hired a Program Director, Kristiana Birming- ham, and now looks to fill three teaching positions. The Bridgewater Community Childcare will open June 1, 2022 with fourteen spots for children age six (6) weeks through thirty-six (36) months. Enrollment is now open with links on our website. Along with creating the childcare space we have also updated the center’s roofing, insulation and prepared for Phase Two construction.

Phase Two construction on the historical 1914 section is on track to begin spring 2022. Phase two construction and updates will include but not be limited to adding State-approved accessibility, a new sprinkler system, updating heat and air-exchange systems, upgraded bathrooms, energy efficiency, revitalizing rooms, and bringing all electrical and wiring up to code. Part of Phase Two will also include expanding the childcare program and opening an after school program. Kristiana Birmingham is also acting as the Bridgewater Community Center’s Executive Director until the childcare is open and the position is filled.

Future plans for the Bridgewater Community Center include a wide variety of programming from our strong list of partners: Artistree Community Arts Center, Thompson Senior Center, Sustainable Woodstock, Ottauquechee Health Foundation, Norman Williams Public Library, Senior Solutions, Creative Lives, BarnArts, Pentangle Arts, JAG, and Woodstock Community Food Shelf. The building will also be used for independent businesses, movement classes, yoga classes, and other community wellness activities. It will be available for events, functions, and as a community resource room. The Bridgwater Community Center will also serve as the emergency shelter and town community space.

The Bridgewater Area Community Foundation (BACF) Board of Directors, with the help of our enthusiastic volun- teers and employees have made huge strides in the past calendar year battling a very difficult uphill battle with Covid-19 restrictions and pressures. Thank you all for your ongoing efforts and support.

Brian Bontrager, President
Michelle Hough, Vice President/Interim Treasurer Dalene Washburn, Secretary
Charles Shackleton Malena Agin
Collen Doyle Michael Caduto Thomas Thompson