"Welcome to today’s event, celebrating this unprecedented collaboration between the public and private sectors that will restore this glorious building and make it a beacon of hope and opportunity in Kingston. All the hard work we have put into this project, plus the combined efforts of all involved, have made the dream of opening a facility of this kind into a reality. With leadership from Agri-Business Child Development, an established agency with a host of family services, alongside the Catholic Archdiocese of New York, Catholic Charities, St. Mary’s and St. Peter’s parishes of Kingston, and the Catholic Youth Organization of Ulster County, this effort would not have been possible without such broad-based cooperation. At a time when parents and families have been pushed to the limit to make ends meet, it’s crucial that people can find help where and when they need it. I applaud all of those who believed, and continue to believe, that this building and its new mission are built on the most solid of foundations."

The former St. Peter’s school was built in 1911 and served pupils until the early 1970s. Despite a short period as St. Agatha’s rest home, the building remained vacant for decades, on a highly-visible promenade overlooking the Rondout neighborhood. When a decision was made not to sell the building to a developer, Assemblyman Kevin A. Cahill acted on a vision and opened the path for all agencies involved to participate and benefit.

The building will be renovated using $2.15 million in funding Assemblyman Cahill secured in the 2008-09 State Budget. Once completed, the facility will offer child care and development services, a youth recreation center, and be home to the Ulster County C.Y.O. Basketball League and other sports activities. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York will establish offices in the building and operate a food pantry from the lower level.

St. Mary’s Church Parish Assistant Patricia Clausi said, "I must express how excited I am that this is really, truly going to happen. It’s an unquestionable win-win. In these economic times, to be given a way to serve the infants, youth and needy of our community, resurrect a beautiful, historic building and employ the families of our community to do so, is nothing short of a miracle. Thank you New York State and Assemblyman Cahill."

Agri-Business Child Development (A.B.C.D.) has, since 1946, provided child care, social services and nutrition to children of eligible families employed in the agricultural industry. A.B.C.D. centers are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and all centers support the A.B.C.D. mission statement: "Sowing seeds, growing minds, building communities..." Said A.B.C.D. Executive Director Maggie Evans, "Eighteen months ago Assemblyman Cahill laid out a vision for this community center. We at A.B.C.D are extremely grateful to celebrate the implementation of that vision here today."

An economic development boon for the Rondout area of the city, this renovation brings jobs for local contractors and will employ 25 permanent staff members at the center. Carey Construction Company of Kingston has been retained as the prime contractor for the renovation. President Bob Carey, whose company also completed landmark restoration of Kingston City Hall and finished other historic local projects, said, "my crew and I take pride in every job we do, but the feeling catapults when projects like this have real meaning and bring life back to our community."

For details contact: David Lowrie at Assemblymember Cahill’s District Office at (845) 338-9610 or Susan Dingee at A.B.C.D. at (845) 229-6101, or visit www.agri-business.org.