ESD Grant Supports New Jobs and Additional Childcare Seats
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the completion of A Work of Heart's $979,437 childcare expansion project in Huntington Station, Suffolk County. Supported by a $120,000 ESD capital grant, recommended by the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council, the project has increased the facility's capacity from 59 to 79 children and created seven new full-time jobs. This expansion addresses the critical need for quality childcare services in the region, supporting working families and local economic growth.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Quality childcare is not just a family issue—it's an economic imperative. Our investment in A Work of Heart's expansion recognizes that when parents have access to reliable, high-quality childcare, they are empowered to be active participants in their careers and professional pursuits. This initiative goes beyond expanding facilities; it's about building a stronger, more inclusive economy for Long Island."
Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law said, "Access to quality childcare is essential for a thriving workforce and vibrant communities. A Work of Heart's expansion is an investment not just in children, but in the economic future of Huntington Station and all of Long Island. By helping to create new jobs and support working families, this project underscores our commitment to fostering sustainable growth and ensuring that Long Island remains a place where both families and businesses can flourish."
A Work of Heart President Andrea Holmes, said, “This expansion is a milestone for our program and the Huntington Station community. It's not just about adding spaces; it's about creating a nurturing environment where children thrive and parents can work with peace of mind. We're excited to continue being a cornerstone of childcare in our community, truly living up to our name as A Work of Heart.”
A Work of Heart has been a pillar of the Huntington Station community for 18 years, providing comprehensive preschool, summer camp, and childcare programs for children aged six weeks to five years. Its curriculum emphasizes developmentally appropriate care that integrates play-based learning with academic readiness, fostering cognitive, social, and emotional growth in a supportive setting. Since its opening, A Work of Heart has become known for its inclusive environment, specialized programs in areas such as music and art, and its dedication to nurturing not only children but also supporting families and strengthening the local community.
To address the growing demand for its childcare services, A Work of Heart undertook an expansion project that involved renovating 1,461 square feet across two buildings, converting a one-story residence into an infant and toddler care center and transforming a detached garage into administrative offices. Comprehensive site improvements enhanced safety and accessibility, featuring a new sanitary system, expanded parking, and upgraded walkways. By providing more families with access to reliable childcare, the project supports working parents, contributes to the area's economic vitality, and reinforces A Work of Heart's dedication to community development.
Senator Mario R. Mattera said, “I applaud the Empire State Development and the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council for bringing enhanced childcare to the Huntington Station community. This project will help the economy by creating much-needed full-time jobs while also helping moms and dads access the childcare they need. This is a win-win for the region and for our families.”
Assemblymember Steve Stern said, “A Work of Heart provides compassionate, supportive service for our community, ensuring that our families have a welcoming and warm place to send their children for early childhood education and summer camp. This funding will allow more families to participate in their outstanding childcare and educational programs and provide new professional jobs for our hard working neighbors. Thank you to Governor Hochul for recognizing and supporting the invaluable role of Work of Heart and our early childhood education and childcare centers in the Town of Huntington.”
County Executive Ed Romaine said, “Providing additional childcare is crucial to working families who continue to struggle to make ends meet. I thank the Governor for this initiative and recognizing the importance of this issue.”
Legislator Rebecca Sanin said, “Investing in our youngest community members strengthens families, school district communities, our local economy and public health. I applaud the Governor and Commissioner Knight for investing in Huntington Station's children and prioritizing the future of our great community!”
Supervisor Ed Smyth said, “The Town of Huntington is grateful to the Empire State Development for the generous $1 Million grant for A Work of Heart’s childcare expansion. Every opportunity that our businesses have to expand is a win for the entire Town. Not only is it delivering more jobs but, it is expanding much needed services like childcare, for our working families. The Long Island Regional Economic Development Council has been a strong partner with the Town and we value their funding support on projects that impact local economic growth.”
Councilmember Salvatore Ferro said, “I am so pleased to share the fantastic news of A Work of Heart's successful childcare expansion in Huntington Station. This project, supported by Empire State Development, has not only increased capacity from 59 to 79 children and created several new full-time jobs. The expansion is a tremendous boost for working families in our community and represents a positive step toward ensuring more children have access to quality childcare.”
Councilwoman Brooke A. Lupinacci said, “As a working mother of three, I know the importance of having childcare available for families in Huntington. The completion of A Work of Heart's $979,437 childcare expansion project in Huntington Station is an asset to the community; it not only allows more parents to focus on providing for their families, with the comfort of knowing their child is well cared for, but creates seven fulltime positions for new employees. This is a win-win for Huntington.”
Councilwoman Theresa Mari said, "Access to quality childcare is essential for the well-being of our families and the vitality of our local economy. A Work of Heart's expansion is a vital step in addressing the growing demand for childcare services, ensuring that more families in our community have the support they need to thrive."
LIREDC Co-Chairs Linda Armyn, President & CEO at Bethpage Federal Credit Union and Dr. Kimberly R. Cline, President of Long Island University, said, "Supporting A Work of Heart's growth is an investment in Long Island's future. Quality early education sets the foundation for lifelong learning, while simultaneously allowing parents to pursue their careers with peace of mind. By expanding access to childcare, we're not just supporting families—we're fostering an environment where current and future generations can thrive, ultimately strengthening the economic fabric of our entire region."
This project underscores New York State's commitment to addressing the critical need for quality childcare services. By increasing childcare capacity in areas designated as "childcare deserts," initiatives like A Work of Heart's expansion play a crucial role in supporting working parents and driving economic growth. Investments in childcare infrastructure not only create immediate jobs in the sector but also enable more parents to enter or remain in the workforce, contributing to the overall economic vitality of Long Island and New York State.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
About A Work of Heart
A Work of Heart is a dedicated childcare provider in Huntington Station, Long Island, offering a nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment for children. With over 18 years of experience, A Work of Heart is committed to fostering the growth and well-being of each child through compassionate care and a curriculum that emphasizes social, emotional, and cognitive development. Programs include preschool, summer camp, and full-time childcare services, designed to support the needs of families and their children from infancy through early childhood. For more information, visit workofheartchildcare.com.