$1.5 million gift launches rebuild of Children’s Village

On the one-year anniversary of the tornado that destroyed Children’s Village, Doylestown Health announced plans yesterday, to rebuild the early childhood education center as a new priority of ONE VISION: The Campaign for Doylestown Health.
A $1.5 million commitment from Jeanne and John Hubbard, PhD, longstanding and visionary supporters of Doylestown Health, will serve as a seed gift and offer significant early momentum for the project.
“We are so honored to support Children’s Village and invest in the future of early childhood development and education in our community,” said the Hubbards. “We are thrilled to make this gift and invite the community to join us in bringing Children’s Village home.”
With the gift from the Hubbards, Doylestown Health Foundation is launching the $1.5 Million Children’s Village Challenge Match to inspire generosity in the community that will accelerate completion of the new facility.
On Aug. 4, 2020, an EF2 tornado touched down in Doylestown and caused significant damage to the hospital campus, including Children’s Village. Working quickly and courageously, teachers and aides, alongside physicians, staff, and emergency responders, safely evacuated the building. No one was seriously injured, but the building was damaged beyond repair.
Within a week, and thanks to the overwhelming support and generosity of the community, Children’s Village resumed operations in a recently vacated building on Ferry Road. Doylestown Health plans to begin demolition of the former site in September, and begin work on the new facility occupying the same site as soon as possible.

“As always, the support of the community plays a major role in our ability to respond to events like the tornado,” said Laura Wortman, vice president and chief development officer, Doylestown Health. “Through the visionary support of the Hubbards and other generous donors, Doylestown Health is able to move forward and bring Children’s Village home to a facility commensurate with our reputation for excellence.”
Project design has been awarded to Design Resources Group, Architects, AIA, Inc. of Somerset, N.J., and will focus on the latest energy efficiency and environmental design standards, incorporating best practices in child safety and early childhood learning.
Project highlights include: 16 classrooms, including a tech-equipped “smart” room for kindergarten; a dedicated integrative learning space for children with special needs; a multipurpose area for gatherings, assemblies, and fitness; new amenities like a library, an art room, and a teaching kitchen; and enhanced safety and security.
“While our insurance covers a portion of the costs to rebuild, we are using this as an opportunity to set our sights even higher,” said Jim Brexler, president and CEO, Doylestown Health. “We are planning a larger footprint with more amenities and an innovative design that anticipates the needs of early childhood care today and in the future, while adhering to the high standards that Children’s Village established more than 35 years ago.”
To contribute to the Children’s Village Challenge Match, visit DoylestownHealthFoundation.org/ChildrensChallenge or visit DoylestownHealthFoundation.org/ChildrensVillage for information about the project.

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