A former 1930s corner grocery store in New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward, which had been vacant for over 20 years, has been transformed into an early learning academy.
The new facility, Shiloh Gardens Academy Holy Cross, will serve 50 children in the area.
The owner said she hopes the childhood center will help revitalize the Lower 9th Ward, a community deeply affected by Hurricane Katrina.
“We have so many families and children that are on the waiting list that do not have access to quality childcare and the early child care services here in the city of New Orleans, and especially in this community where it was kind of barren,” Pamela Marshall said.
The owner also shared that she has spent two decades running early childhood centers in the city, including one in Central City.
READ MORE:Former 1930s grocery store becomes early learning academy in Lower 9th Ward
