Our Story

In 2015 the historic (1914) 13,000 square foot, two and a half story Bridgewater Village School closed to consolidate. In 2017, a group of community members formed a Select Board-sanctioned committee to explore potential use for the building. The closed school was quickly recognized as an opportunity, due to the combination of village location, documented community service needs, and local interest and support for reusing the building. In 2018 The Bridgewater Area Community Foundation, Inc. (BACF), a newly formed local non-profit was formed to preserve, revitalize, and enhance the former Bridgewater Village School Building, an important cultural and historical landmark located in the Ottauquechee Valley into the Bridgewater Community Childcare & Community Center (BCCCC).

We strive to offer enriching activities for the whole family and community while strengthening social ties and reduce social isolation. Anchoring the foundation is the Bridgewater Community Childcare, a Vermont Licensed childcare. Childcare and early education became an obvious choice based on community need and location. The Town and BACF executed a lease agreement in January 2019 allowing BACF to utilize the building and immediate grounds for the community center and childcare center with a sustainable lease extended in 2024 to a twenty year lease. This initiative represents a significant public-private partnership. The facility remains a town-owned asset. Crucially, the Foundation is funding the entirety of the building costs, improvements, revitalization and ongoing programming, meaning no local taxpayer dollars are allocated to this project. Currently, we are seeking grant funding to secure a new kitchen to serve the community during weather emergencies, in the downstairs community room. For questions or to learn how you can help with this initiative, please fill out our Contact Form.