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Erica Saccoccio and Christine Alexander A Family Tree School Age Enrichment Program was founded by two sisters, Erica Saccoccio and Christine Alexander in November 2007. The Warwick residents wanted to take their many years of child care and youth leadership experience and open a program to provide parents with safe, affordable, childcare during working hours. From the beginning their focus was to develop exciting and innovative programming that provides children with opportunities to make a connection with the Warwick community and support and foster the growth of these future leaders. Working with their professional teaching staff, the program has grown from one school age location serving just 25 families to operating three Warwick locations. The newest facility on Warwick Avenue includes childcare services for toddler and pre-kindergarten children. Erica is a trained endorser for the National After School Association and regularly shares her expertise and knowledge of the accreditation process while serving on numerous committees throughout the state. Erica and Christine have been awarded the Child Development Credential by the Council for Professional Recognition. Christine has experience working with low-income children on programs in conjunction with the Woonsocket Housing Authority and the Woonsocket Police Department. She has volunteered her time on many community projects, including the Woonsocket Senior Center, grant writing, recruitment, mentoring, and supporting local youth groups. The SBA is pleased to have provided four loan guarantees through Bank Rhode Island and The Washington Trust Company to help the business grow over the years. The financing, together with technical assistance from the Center for Women & Enterprise, positioned A Family Tree School Age Enrichment Program to experience tremendous growth and success. The U.S. Small Business Administration is pleased to honor Erica Saccoccio and Christine Alexander as the 2010 Rhode Island Minority Small Business Persons of the Year. |