Buffalo, NY: Mary’s Little Lambs, a child care center and preschool in Buffalo, celebrated its grand opening by hosting an official ribbon cutting with Mayor Byron W. Brown and representatives from local lending organizations New York Business Development Corporation (NYBDC) and Excelsior Growth Fund. The ceremony was held, July 14th at 10 a.m. at the center’s new location at 377 Kensington Avenue, Buffalo NY 14214.
Mary’s Little Lambs, which is owned by local entrepreneur Mary Goodwill, has been in operation since 1992. It recently moved locations from Tonawanda to the City of Buffalo. Their new facility is located on the City’s east side, within proximity to the Erie County Medical Center campus, Sisters of Charity Hospital, and Burgard High School.
Given the center’s location, Goodwill is making it her mission to ensure that a range of Buffalo and Erie County residents, including area hospital staff, have access to quality child care. Mary’s Little Lambs will offer late-hour programs for second shift workers, who typically can’t utilize child care facilities with traditional business hours. It will be open from 6:15 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. and will serve 105 children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age when at full capacity. The business is expected to create 21 full-time jobs and 18 part-time jobs. The center participates in all county assistance programs.
“I’m very pleased that more and more businesses are choosing the City of Buffalo, recognizing our lower taxes and fees and great quality of life,” said Mayor Brown. “As the number of jobs continue to grow in our City, it’s important to have great daycare options for working parents. I thank Excelsior Growth Fund for its commitment to small business and locating an office in the Beverly Gray Business Exchange Center so that they can directly be positioned to support the needs of small businesses on an ongoing basis.”
“Mary Goodwill brings extensive experience and passion to her child care business. We are happy we could be of service to her and her team,” said Pat MacKrell, CEO of NYBDC and Excelsior Growth Fund, a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and alternative lender. Excelsior Growth Fund provided a loan for the buildout of the new Mary’s Little Lambs facility, which allowed Goodwill to complete essential renovations to the facility.
“Mary’s business is going to add jobs here in Buffalo and bring a much-needed service to local residents. We need more entrepreneurs like her and it is our mission at NYBDC and Excelsior Growth Fund to support main street small business owners across the state,” added Mr. MacKrell.
Mayor Brown, NYBDC and Excelsior Growth Fund lends their support to Goodwill by attending the ribbon cutting ceremony along with other representatives from the community. Other local elected officials in attendance will includeNew York State Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes and City of Buffalo Councilmember Ulysees O. Wingo Sr.
