From a press release:
“On Saturday, March 23, a diverse coalition of D.C. residents will host a public event to save D.C.’s oldest bilingual daycare and longtime bilingual preschool
In a city-wide effort to save the Rosemount Center, D.C.’s oldest bilingual daycare and one of its most culturally and historically significant bilingual preschools, a group of local citizens are organizing a public rally and march asking Rosemount’s founder, House of Mercy, to work with the local officials and residents to preserve this vital, long-standing pillar of the community.
What: Rally for Rosemount, an open-to-all march to find solutions that can keep Rosemount Center in its forever home. Speakers, music, and refreshments to follow in Rosemount’s parking lot.
Who: Save Rosemount DC, a coalition of greater D.C. residents fighting to keep Rosemount’s doors open in its current location as well as demonstrate public demand and support for high-quality, affordable, and accessible childcare and childhood education.
Why: To expand public support for citywide efforts to safeguard Rosemount preschool and daycare, a model Head Start program that provides crucial resources — including free school meals and snacks — for 240 children in its care, most of whom are from lower-income households and families of color.
When: Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: The event will begin at the top of Mount Pleasant’s farmers market near 17th St. and Park Road NW, where residents will gather for face-painting and sign-making. At 10:30, a parade will commence down Mount Pleasant St. and Newton St. NW past Bancroft Elementary before proceeding down 19th St. and Park Road to Rosemount Center at 2000 Rosemount Ave NW.
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About Our Coalition Save Rosemount is a diverse coalition of D.C. residents who support accessible early childhood education and childcare. That’s why we are working together to save Rosemount Center, D.C.’s oldest bilingual daycare and one of Mount Pleasant’s most treasured bilingual preschools. The tax-exempt non-profit organization that founded Rosemount — House of Mercy — recently announced plans to terminate its lease, threatening to evict hundreds of teachers, caretakers, and children from their longtime home. This is not a landlord-tenant issue. This is a test of our community values and city leadership to protect a unique and historic space for children. Learn more at www.SaveRosemountDC.org.
About Rosemount
For the past 52 years, the Rosemount Center has nurtured and educated D.C.’s most precious resource: our children. Rosemount currently employs 50 teachers who care for 240 babies, toddlers, and preschoolers in a historic, 22,000-square-feet property that was originally built and donated for the public good. As a model Head Start program that serves families citywide, Rosemount could be forced to close its doors as early as June 28, 2024 unless the D.C. government, community, and House of Mercy work together.”