GETTYSBURG, PA (March 7, 2024) – Little Life Enrichment Center, New Oxford, recently completed an $855,000 expansion to serve additional Adams County families through child care, aided by a low-interest $400,000 state loan facilitated by Adams Economic Alliance.

The loan, processed through the Alliance’s Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) and the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA), in partnership with ACNB Bank, assisted Little Life Enrichment Center’s owner and director Clark Agapakis. The PIDA loan’s interest rate is fixed at 4.75% over 15 years.

“We applaud Clark Agapakis and Little Life Enrichment Center for expanding and providing much-needed, quality care to 260 children, representing about 200 Adams County families, especially during this time when we know there is a significant shortage of childcare providers in Adams County,” said Robin Fitzpatrick, Alliance President.

Little Life Enrichment Center, 125 Dogwood Court, New Oxford, opened its doors more than 25 years ago, and is currently one of only four Adams County childcare facilities to earn the highest rating of four stars by the state’s Keystone STARS program.

The center, which employs 33 people, recently applied and was granted permission from the state to add two additional Pre-K Counts classrooms, spurring the building’s expansion. Capacity for those 40 additional child care spaces filled immediately, said Agapakis, due to “community need.”

“We could not be more supportive and excited to see this expansion project through to fruition,” said Kaycee Kemper, Alliance Vice President, “because the ripple effects positively impact and support our Adams County workforce and economy.”

Gary Rappoldt of ACNB Bank worked in partnership with the Alliance and the PIDA loan program to provide the project’s additional lending support.

“Without the Alliance and PIDA loan’s low-interest rate, the project could have been out of reach, and we would have stayed in a cramped situation,” said Agapakis. “In essence, working with the Alliance was somewhat of a life raft in the midst of today’s high interest rates that allowed me to go forward with the expansion.”

The loan to Little Life Enrichment Center marks the 152nd low-interest PIDA loan facilitated by ACEDC since 1996. The Alliance has assisted more than 200 Adams County businesses throughout its history, generating a grand total in excess of $430 million in PIDA financing, supporting the creation of more than 600 jobs and the retention of more than 1,500 jobs.

ACEDC is certified annually by DCED in order to process and administer loan and grant programs for Adams County’s businesses including those in the agricultural sector. Kemper encourages Adams County’s farmers, agribusinesses, manufacturers, aspiring entrepreneurs as well as established businesses to contact her regarding all potential loan and grant opportunities. Kemper can be reached at the Alliance at 717-334-0042, ext. 200.

It is the mission of the Adams Economic Alliance to develop and implement creative community-based strategies to enhance economic opportunity and foster a dynamic framework for balanced growth and development through the Adams County Economic Development Corporation, Adams County Industrial Development Authority and Adams County General Authority.

For more information, see adamsalliance.org, or follow the Alliance on Facebook (Facebook.com/AdamsAlliance), LinkedIn (Adams Economic Alliance), X – formerly Twitter (@AdamsAlliance), and Instagram (@AdamsCountyPA).

MEDIA CONTACT: KAREN HENDRICKS / HENDRICKS COMMUNICATIONS / 717-253-3553