The Care Center

Bringing the power of education, arts and culture to youth and their families in Holyoke, MA

What's New

Moving Women Forward: An Endowment for Bard Microcollege Holyoke

The Care Center is home to Bard Microcollege Holyoke, the nation’s first college for young mothers and low-income women. Bard Microcollege Holyoke proudly boasts a 72% graduation rate. The success is due in large part to the innovative pairing of a tuition-free, high quality college education with built-in supports designed for young mothers: daycare, transportation, counseling, meals and an … [Read more...] about Moving Women Forward: An Endowment for Bard Microcollege Holyoke

Sheynatais Rivera on How College Impacts her Baby

Sheynatais “Shey” Rivera is the first in her family to attend college. She is thriving in her first year at Bard Microcollege Holyoke. Shey is currently taking a sociology course and is fascinated by the way false stereotypes can lead to real consequences in life. Shey, like so many other young mothers and women of color, has dealt with others’ negative stereotypes. “I have had a lot of people … [Read more...] about Sheynatais Rivera on How College Impacts her Baby

Priscilla Daniels on the Power of a Small Group of Women

Priscilla Daniels first found The Care Center when she was sixteen years old. Unsure whether or not to fully commit to the educational program, she carefully observed her classmates. Priscilla watched as some of her peers left, while others took advantage of The Care Center’s supportive educational opportunities. As young mothers graduated from The Care Center, Priscilla couldn’t help but notice … [Read more...] about Priscilla Daniels on the Power of a Small Group of Women

A Special Way to Give If You are Age 70 ½ or Older

We wanted to share with you a special way to support The Care Center if you are age 70 ½ or older. A popular, tax-smart option for giving is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA). To take advantage of this special opportunity, contact your IRA administrator today.   Here’s how it works: You must be 70 ½ or older and eligible to take … [Read more...] about A Special Way to Give If You are Age 70 ½ or Older