Growth

The building required extensive renovations to provide three large classrooms, an administrative office and a kitchen. This task was undertaken enthusiastically by key organizations in Hobe Sound and the surrounding community. The Hobe Sound Community Chest pledged a matching grant of $25,000 and the Olin Foundation provided $100,000. Fundraising in the local community, including $5,000 from the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties and in-kind services from local businesses, gave the Board of Directors an incentive to see their dream come true. The United Way funded a Venture Grant of $25,000 for the purchase and renovation of a portable classroom to be used until the main building could be opened.

The first portable classroom opened in November of 1992 with an enrollment of sixteen children, but none of the families were able to afford the full $60 fee for enrollment. The Children’s Services Council of Martin County provided operational funds for an Executive Director and two teachers.

Dunbar’s building was transformed from a derelict shell into a childcare center. While the physical transformation was occurring, another change was taking place. As the community realized its dreams, the neighborhood began to change. Trash was cleaned out of vacant lots and yards began to look better. Pride was returning to the community.

In May 1993, the renovated school opened with the original group of children from the portable classroom. As more funding became available through additional grants from the Children’s Services Council of Martin County, United Way of Martin County Venture Grant, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties and private donations, a second classroom opened with ten more children who had been on a waiting list.

The community’s sense of pride and accomplishment in the completion of the childcare center motivated continued improvements in the neighborhood, and Dunbar continued to grow. The Center was expanded further and four more classrooms added. In 2000, Dunbar became a grantee of the federal Early Head Start program and received over $350,000 in federal funds. With these funds, the Center was able to hire more teachers and expand its programs. In August 2016, funding from a private donor enabled Dunbar to open an additional infant/toddler classroom.