St. Martha's Early Learning Center

Program receives free energy makeover

 

Sarasota—St. Martha’s Early Learning Center of Catholic Charities received a free energy makeover from Florida Power and Light (FPL) and other community businesses. FPL’s Energy Makeover Team, along with One Hour Air, JAM Lighting and Amana Corporation provided efficiency upgrades to the center. The result is expected to be a savings of up to $1,000 annually.

 

St. Martha’s Early Learning Center, a preschool for children of low-income families, underwent FPL’s Business Energy Evaluation. The program received for free a new energy-efficient air conditioner donated from Amana Corporation and installed by One Hour Air. JAM Lighting replaced the old lighting with compact fluorescent light bulbs in three buildings, two of the preschool buildings and Bethesda House of Catholic Charities located next door. Low-flow faucets and programmable thermostats also were installed at the preschool.

 

“We already notice a difference in the air quality,” said Jer-Rika Green, assistant program director of St. Martha’s Early Learning Center. Green worked with FPL on the project. “I knew that the air conditioner needed upgrading and so I was thrilled when I discovered this opportunity to get an energy makeover.”

 

FPL’s Business Energy Evaluations help customers learn tools to practice energy conservation and save money on their monthly bills. Having served the local community for more than 20 years, last year St. Martha’s Early Learning Center also began providing Head Start and Early Head Start services to preschool children. Through a partnership with Children First, the center provides a range of services including full-time early childhood programs, health and developmental screenings, parenting education, home visits and training/support groups for parents.

 

“Every dollar they can save on their electric bill is a dollar they can use to help others,” said Rae Dowling, area manager for FPL in Sarasota County. “We want to help any organization any way we can to save on energy costs and update to better quality appliances and lighting. The school now has a healthier atmosphere for the students and staff.”

 

For more information about St. Martha’s Early Learning Center of Catholic Charities, please call 941-366-1395.

 

Photo #1: St. Martha's Early Learning Center students Brenda (left to right), Victoria, Angelina and Jayln wear hard hats given to them from FPL energy experts during the energy makeover.

 

Photo #2: FPL Energy Expert Hap Peterman installs new energy-efficient lights outside one of the preschool buildings.

 

Click HERE to see the Early Learning Center's Energy Makeover on YouTube.