If we’ve learned anything in the past two years it is that traditional church only on Sundays is no longer the norm. In fact, we continue to learn that we connect with people in so many other ways!

Since the beginning of TNC we have talked about the church being “outside the walls” and this expansion gives us the opportunity to live that out and to reach people in our community where they are at by providing high quality, faith-based preschool options in a convenient location.

The multi-purpose building is another way to reach the community by providing space for events, hosting youth groups from the region, and more. The central location of The Neighborhood Church provides us with the opportunity to be a beacon of light and hope in our community.

The answer to this is three-fold.

The Preschool serves a growing need. 

TNC is located in a fast growing community where there is a

continued need for quality preschool for infants all the way up to 5 year olds. In planning the Preschool TNC worked alongside the Arkansas Community Foundation and DHS to determine that only 10% of needed infant spots are covered. Additionally, only 63% of toddler spots are covered and NWA is continuing to grow.

The Preschool serves a social need.

This preschool will be built after children have been inside, safe with their families for two years. The children need a safe environment with quality education and intentional social systems to help the children develop their interpersonal skills. AKA, the children have a deep unsaid need for friendship and nurturing that TNC can provide. 

The Preschool is self-sustaining.

This preschool is designed to be self-sustaining. Meaning that the 99 children served will be support the mortage, staff, operational costs and also help to grow the ministry of TNC.

Great question...

• 2 Classrooms for Infants = 20 Total
• 1 Classroom for toddlers = 16 Total
• 1 Classroom for 30m - 4yo = Up to 21 Total
• 1 Classroom for 4yo = Up to 21 Total
• 1 Classroom for 5yo = Up to 21 Total

The Neighborhood Church will run the preschool. 

A full-time, dedicated Director will be hired to manage the day-to-day operations of the preschool, including a Co-Director of recruitment, hiring and family engagement. There will be 8-12 teachers on staff. 

The Christian based firm, INJOY Stewardship Solutions projects that TNC has the capacity of raising $300,000 to $500,000 over the next 28 months. This generous amount would be added to the money TNC has carefully stewarded and get us closer to the “shovel-in-the-ground” amount.

The BREAK GROUND GOAL is $850,000 which allows us to start construction in August and build in the next year for an opening in August of 2024. 

Assuming all funding needs and commitments are met, we anticipate breaking ground on the Preschool/KidCITY building in August of 2022 in hopes of opening the preschool to students by August of 2023. The same timeline applies to all building and the parking lot if the BREAK GROUND GOAL IS MET.

Currently, the cost of a full commercial kitchen is cost prohibitive; however, as we meet with the architect we will continue to explore ways to build a kitchen that can serve youth groups and our congregation and stair step into the full commercial kitchen. 

That being said, there is an idea that is creative and "change church" that may be a possibility! This idea is being vetted and partners being outlined to see if it is a possibility and it would involve a full commercial kitchen! YEAH!

There are not currently plans for a kitchen in the preschool/KidCITY building; however, depending on the ages we serve, more discussions will take place about how to best provide snacks and potential meals to the children we serve. TNC will work within the proper channels to address any needs required to comply with all state and local regulations.

As The Neighborhood Church and the greater Bentonville community grows, there is a need for additional meeting and gathering space. This new building will not only give TNC the opportunity to grow our Youth program, but will also be a space where we can host Youth from around the region.

This space may also be available for other community events and be another way TNC can reach out to the community. The building design includes a full kitchen and also a

few shower stalls which allows for maximum flexibility in how it can be used in the future.

We understand that this exciting building opportunity may need to happen in phases. The phases will be known upon the results of the sacrificial generosity of the PICTURE THIS! Campaign. The Neighborhood Church has also stewarded funds from the first campaign to use and has applied for numerous Arkansas Grants to help with early childhood education.

In addition, The self-sustaining model of the preschool means this building would be the first to be built.

The front of the church is the first impression our community has of TNC. The new front design fits with the feel and vibe of the Bentonville Parks, Recreation, Trails and Museums.  Our hope is that folks know that we are part of that community and continue to grow with the community. The Neighborhood Church can be a beacon to attract families to worship, young families to the preschool, and youth to the youth facilities. With more people, our mission is expanded.

At some point, yes that may be an option. Currently, we can add service times to accommodate our growing attendance.

4 Key areas will help to fund the project

• Campaign Pledges

• Loan from MIF

• Stewarded funds from Previous church campaign

• Grants

Pledges

The campaign pledges will help to satisfy "down payments" on the loans and the first 3 years of mortgage payments. Loans for this project would come from the Mission Investment Fund. The Neighborhood Church has stewarded $125,000 from the initial campaign. 

The Mission Investment Fund

Investments for individuals, congregations, and social ministry organizations. Loans are available for church and ministry building projects, land purchases, and refinancing.

Grants

Additionally, we have applied for grants from Early Childhood Champions Fund and ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act).

The process of hiring a youth director or youth pastor has been explored by our leadership and CORE team for the past 24 months and is next on the hiring list! Exciting news! Our hope is that a Youth and Family role will be filled prior to opening the building. 

As the project progresses, these discussions will continue.

Yes, there will be both priority sign-ups and discounted pricing for TNC members! We will also be serving low income and state funded families alogn with placing priority on essential workers, specifically, Bentonville educators and also first responders.