Capital Campaign

Why a Capital Campaign?

For over 60 years, Irene Wortham Center has helped children and adults with developmental and/or socio-economic challenges lead healthy, happy, and independent lives. We believe in the value and promise of every person and strive to empower individuals to reach their full potential from birth to end of life.

Irene Wortham Center welcomes children of all abilities. We are one of two Developmental Day programs in Buncombe County that serve students with developmental disabilities and/or those facing socio-economic challenges in an inclusive environment. Our center offers fundamental learning and growth opportunities to over 100 children ages six weeks to five-years-old. The current building, which opened in 1970 and still reflects mostly original features and design aspects, does not allow for a modern educational experience.

ELC Opening Night 1970

We are launching a Capital Campaign to raise $14,000,000 to build a new Early Learning Center that will better serve our students and expand access to quality childcare in Asheville. We would be honored if you would consider partnering with Irene Wortham Center to help us build our new school!

Time Line

Phase One:

To initiate the plans for the new school, we will start by constructing a new administrative building and residential home at the corner of Rose St. and West Chapel Rd. This step will pave the way for the subsequent phase.

Phase Two:

Following the completion of the new administrative building and residential home, we will proceed to demolish the current administrative building and level the plot of land it occupies.

Phase Three:

The construction of the new ELC will commence on the site where the previous administrative building stood.

Phase Four:

The old ELC will be demolished in preparation for the upcoming phase.

Phase Five:

Utilizing the space liberated by the demolition of the old ELC, a new parking lot will be established.