HUMBOLDT 鈥� Located in the basement of The Elizabeth care home, Little Lizzie鈥檚 Intergenerational Early Learning Centre has held its grand opening.
The daycare was designed with the goal to bridge the generational gap鈥� something they hope to do once the pandemic ends.
鈥淎 big part of the intergenerational learning centre is to make sure both parts of our community are supported,鈥� said Tawnie Johnson, member of Little Lizzie鈥檚 board of directors. 鈥淭his is something they needed to be able to interact with residents and have kids learn that, and hopefully bring our community full circle.鈥�
Due to COVID-19, both parties are kept separated, but once it鈥檚 safe to do so Johnson said that they鈥檙e planning for the two generations to share a garden, games, reading time, and possibly eat together.
鈥淓verything is separated mostly just to protect both parties because they鈥檙e both vulnerable sectors,鈥� said Corinne Norman, general manager with The Elizabeth. 鈥淏ut we are very much aware that this is something we are going to be able to entertain in the future.鈥�
The grand opening was attended by Humboldt councilor Larry Jorgenson, Norman, Johnson, and a few others including media鈥� all wearing masks.
Norman called the event a 鈥渄ream come true鈥� after submitting their first application about four years prior.
鈥淥ur vision was to see this opportunity for our community and it has become a reality right in front of our eyes,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e seen the excitement on the side of the residents upstairs looking forward to being with the children and their families and sharing, and the children trying and wanting to, again, share their life and their interests with the residents.鈥�
The business has 27 daycare spots with three full-time staff and one part-time.
The grand opening was held on Oct. 29.
