Nonprofit Vogel Opens New Shops at RedBird Childcare Facility
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From Staff Reports
Dignitaries and business owners gathered Jan. 27 at The Shops at RedBird to celebrate the grand opening of a 15,000-square-foot childcare facility.
Dallas-based nonprofit Vogel will operate the Rita Sue and Alan Gold Child and Family Center, named in honor of the Golds’ longtime support and service to Vogel.
Priority enrollment at the childcare center will be given to families of Shops at RedBird employees and working families supported by Vogel. The remaining spots will be offered to all southern Dallas families. About 130 children aged six weeks through Pre-K will be served with a focus on academic growth and social-emotional development.
Since 1987, Vogel has provided therapeutic services to help children and their families prevent and overcome the lasting and traumatic effects of homelessness and poverty.
Funding for Rita Sue and Alan Gold Child and Family Center
The Dallas City Council approved a $6 million New Markets Tax Credit transaction in June 2023 between the Dallas Development Fund, JPMorgan Chase, and Vogel Alcove to provide financial support for the childcare center, according to the D Economy newsletter.
The Shops at RedBird co-developers Peter Brodsky and Terrence Maiden also chipped in, offering a long-term, donated lease. Richardson-based general contractor Hill & Wilkinson and Dallas-based Kirksey Architecture also played key roles in the Vogel RedBird project, according to a press release issued last week.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the opening of the Vogel RedBird facility,” Brodsky said. “As someone who has been deeply connected to Vogel’s mission as both a board member and longtime supporter, it is so meaningful to see their incredible work extend to this community. This facility not only provides services to the employees of The Shops at RedBird but is also a valuable asset to southern Dallas residents.”
Key Features of Rita Sue and Alan Gold Child and Family Center
The new childcare center features:
- An architecturally designed exterior façade incorporating the latest designs and a dedicated west-side entrance for convenient access.
- A modernized corridor that encourages a welcoming and safe environment for children and parents leads to the educational space.
- An outdoor green space and playground area to encourage children’s play and development.
The opening of Vogel RedBird expands upon the nonprofit’s mission to help young children and their families prevent and overcome the lasting and traumatic effects of homelessness and poverty, officials said in a press release. The new center offers high-quality early childhood education, family support services, and access to primary and mental healthcare.
Additionally, Vogel is connecting families with living-wage job opportunities with RedBird tenants, including Parkland Clinic, UT Southwestern, Children’s Health, Crossroads, Jarvis Christian University, the DEC at RedBird, Workforce Solutions, Dallas College, and all retail, restaurants, and small businesses in the development.
“We are beyond excited to see our vision for creating a lasting impact on the RedBird community and beyond come to life,” said Vogel president and CEO Karen Hughes. “This milestone was made possible by the support of so many. With Vogel RedBird, we’re not just providing high-quality, affordable childcare where it’s needed, we’re creating opportunities for families to thrive and build brighter futures.”
