Sunbeam celebrates the opening of the Edwards Early Education and Community Hope Center

Last week, Sunbeam Family Services invited the community to join them in celebrating the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Edwards Early Education and Community Hope Center (Edwards EECHC), formerly known as Oklahoma City Public Schools’ Edwards Elementary.

“Access to high-quality early childhood education is essential to the future success of babies and toddlers,” said Sunbeam CEO Sarah Rahhal, LCSW. “As an Early Head Start provider in Oklahoma City, Sunbeam is a leader in early childhood education. We are excited to expand our high-quality services to Northeast Oklahoma City and help build brighter futures with all children and families.” 

The program and ribbon cutting speakers included Justin Brown, secretary of Human Services; Chris Harrison, Sunbeam board president; The Honorable David Holt, mayor of Oklahoma City; Dr. Sean McDaniel, superintendent of schools for Oklahoma City Public Schools; Sarah Rahhal, Sunbeam CEO; Robert J. Ross, Chairman and CEO of Inasmuch Foundation and Senator George Young.  

"As the leader of high-quality early childhood education in our city, Sunbeam is always looking for ways to better serve children and families,” said Inasmuch Foundation Chairman and CEO Robert J. Ross. “Edwards Early Education and Community Hope Center will allow Sunbeam to expand their services to help meet the needs of the Northeast OKC community. We couldn’t be more thrilled to join the numerous community partners and leaders who brought this project to life.” 

This beautifully renovated school will provide services, support, and resources for children and families in Northeast Oklahoma City. The renovation of the 41,000-square-foot building includes 12 early education classrooms, which increases access to high-quality early care and education opportunities for babies and toddlers. Families also have access to Sunbeam's other services. The community space at Edwards Community Hope Center will provide onsite services to the entire Northeast Oklahoma City community, not just families who are enrolled at Edwards Early Education Center.   

“Oklahoma Human Services is incredibly proud to come alongside Sunbeam Family Services and so many other community partners to bring the Edwards Early Education and Community Hope Center to life,” said Justin Brown, secretary of Human Services. “The services and support offered through this model make dramatic and lasting positive impacts for the community and remove barriers so families may access critical services before they are in crisis. This center represents the incredible impacts we can all make when we align in service to our communities.” 

Sunbeam will provide on-site mental health services, including therapy, training, and support groups for parents, grandparents who are raising their grandchildren, caregivers, and more. The nonprofit will also focus on addressing additional needs of the surrounding area through community partnerships.  

Edwards EECHC is made possible thanks to generous support from the community. Thank you to the following donors for generously supporting the $3.1 million campaign for renovations of Edwards EECHC: Arnall Community Fund, The Boeing Company, E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation, Enterprise Holdings, Nedra Funk, Griffin Media, Inasmuch Foundation, Oklahoma City Public Schools, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Presbyterian Health Foundation, Sarkeys Foundation, Angela and Pastor Derrick Scobey, Total Environment, United States Department of Health and Human Services: Head Start and UnitedHealthcare.

Founded in 1907, Sunbeam’s mission is to build brighter futures for all children and families. Sunbeam, a United Way of Central Oklahoma Community Partner, is one of Oklahoma’s longest-serving nonprofits. To learn more, call (405) 528-7721, visit SFSok.org or join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.