The non-profit social services agency ‘r Kids unveiled plans to expand its facility at 45 Dixwell Avenue Monday.
‘R Kids is a 23-year-old foster-care and adoption agency that provides services for children and their biological and adoptive families.
During the press event architect Craig Newick showed plans to add a second story to the single-story, L-shaped building that serves as ‘r Kids’ headquarters. In addition, bids from five construction companies bidding on the project were opened, ranging from $2.76 million to $5.5 million.
‘R Kids Executive Director Randi Rubin Rodriguez said price was not the sole factor in selecting a contractor and that additional analysis was needed before a decision could be made.
Rodriguez said that the group had to date raised more than half of the estimated $4 million price tag for the expansion project.
That fundraising effort received a boost Monday with the presentation of a $250,000 check from New Haven businesswoman and philanthropist Lindy Lee Gold, as well as a $25,000 check from the NewAlliance Foundation.
In addition, the state Office of Policy & Management’s nonprofit grant program granted ‘r kids $702,000, and the state Department of Children and Families gave $1 million for the expansion.
Rodriguez said adding a second story to the Dixwell Avenue building will allow for the addition of two child-care rooms, as well as office space for mental-health clinicians.
During the construction process ‘r Kids will temporarily relocate operations to the headquarters of Christian Community Action on Winchester Avenue in New Haven.
