ABC Head Start Secures Five Partnerships to Ensure Continuity of Early Learning Programs for Vulnerable Edmonton Children

ABC Head Start Society is excited to announce five partnerships that will ensure the continuation of its vital early learning programs for vulnerable preschool-aged children in Edmonton. These new spaces will help ensure that more than 400 children can continue to access early learning, family support, and wraparound services in the 2025-2026 program year.

These new spaces will serve families across the city, from Northgate Centre - where a 6,513-square-foot custom-fit facility is currently under construction - to Mayfield Community League, Terra Centre for Teen Parents, Lorelei-Beaumaris Community League and Newton Community League. Without these crucial partnerships, ABC Head Start would have faced the difficult reality of closing programming, having a drastic effect on the hundreds of children who access crucial services. 

The partnerships come in response to a public plea made in December, when ABC Head Start called on developers, landlords, and community partners to help secure space. With several site closures looming, the agency was at risk of losing critical classroom space. The response from the community and partners has made it possible to keep programs running and maintain access for hundreds of children who depend on these services. 

“We are relieved and grateful to have secured these partnerships, allowing us to continue supporting children and families who rely on ABC Head Start,” said Erin Gobolos, Interim Executive Director. “This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to providing quality early childhood education and family support, even in the face of ongoing space challenges.” 

The Northgate Centre facility was secured with support from Cushman & Wakefield Edmonton. Once complete, it will be a purpose-built space designed to meet the needs of children with diverse learning needs. It will feature four classrooms, gross motor room, assessment room, Snoezelen room, family programming room, ample administrative and resource team spaces, and children's washrooms, etc. We expect to serve approximately 136 children and families from this site, once operational in September 2025. 

The additional partnerships at Mayfield Community League, Terra Centre for Teen Parents, Lorelei-Beaumaris Community League and Newton Community League will further strengthen ABC Head Start’s presence across west Edmonton, providing accessible and welcoming environments for children and families. These partnerships will be mutually beneficial, as they allow ABC Head Start to bring early learning programming into well-established community hubs while enhancing the services and support available to families already connected to these organizations. By working together, the partners can create a more accessible, family-friendly environment that supports children’s success and strengthens community ties. Together, these four sites will serve approximately 116 children and families. 

ABC Head Start also offers programming at Mill Woods Town Centre Mall and Millbourne Market Mall.

Registration for the 2025-26 program year is now open. Apply here. 

Supplemental Quotes from Partners 

“As a company committed to providing commercial real estate services to organizations that support the growth of our communities in the Greater Edmonton Area and beyond, we at Cushman & Wakefield (Edmonton) are proud to have partnered with ABC Head Start Society to expand the reach of their programs to North Edmonton with the addition of the Northgate Centre location,” said Dustin Bateyko, Partner, Cushman & Wakefield. “Support from an education charity can have a transformative impact on a child's life. It extends far beyond the classroom of just providing academic assistance; it instills confidence, resilience, and a sense of hope for the future. Playing a role to help ABC Society open its doors and services in the Northgate Centre is a true honour as ABC Society opens doors to new opportunities for children for a brighter tomorrow!” 

“We’re excited to have ABC Head Start Society join our vibrant community here at Northgate Centre,” said Judee Orfino, Leasing Manager, First Capital REIT. “We are always looking for new and exciting uses to bring to our centre, and given the strong community support ABC Head Start Society has, they are a terrific addition to Northgate Centre!” 

"At Terra Centre for Teen Parents, we are honored to partner with ABC Head Start Society to ensure that every child has access to quality early learning and essential family supports,” said Karen Mottershead, Executive Director at Terra Centre for Teen Parents. “As an organization dedicated to empowering teen parents, we understand that a strong foundation in the early years is crucial for long-term success. This partnership is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when our community comes together.” 

“The Mayfield Community League is excited to partner with ABC Head Start as they launch their early childhood programming at our Mayfield Community Hall,” says Barbara Landry, Mayfield Community League Board President. “We share the goal of strengthening the community through local partnerships that provide families with accessible and meaningful services. I encourage our Mayfield community members, and all Edmontonians, to learn more about the positive impact ABC Head Start can have on children and their families.” 

“We are overjoyed to welcome ABC Head Start once again as they continue their outstanding work in our community," said Maria Mazzuca, General Manager and Rentals Coordinator, Lorelei-Beaumaris Community League. “This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter in our shared mission to provide important services to the community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will have. We are happy to once again be a part of the journey for the children and families who rely on and benefit from ABC Head Start.” 

"Newton Community League (NCL) is ecstatic to be partnering with the ABC Head Start Society to continue critical childhood education.  ABC Head Start not only brings accessibility to quality education and integral support for children and families, but it also empowers our future generations to have the building blocks they need to succeed,” said Rak Prasad, Newton Community League President. “One of NCL's strategic priorities is to remove barriers and enhance community accessibility to programming from exercise to connectivity to education. Our partnership with the ABC Head Start Society is another foundational piece of this priority. We welcome ABC Head Start Society, the families they serve and their broader network to Newton, and look forward to evolving the partnership and seeing the people it serves flourish!” 

"Community Leagues and ABC Head Start are natural partners, since we're both devoted to providing accessible, affordable programming that helps the next generation take those vital first few steps," says Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues Executive Director Laura Cunningham-Shpeley. "This is the best part of maintaining community places in the heart of our neighbourhoods: having a chance to gather all of those who are working to help their community thrive and giving them the space they need to grow together." 

*** 

For questions or media interviews, please contact: 

Erin Gobolos 
Interim Executive Director 
ABC Head Start 
780.721.5519