Encompass, a longtime Valley early learning nonprofit, is on its way to making its dream of a new Snoqualmie facility a reality.

Encompass is one of the few organizations that provides early learning, pediatric therapy and family enrichment programs for children ages 0-8 and their families on the Eastside.

With two locations in North Bend and one in Carnation — and a host of programs offered at community locations and in the home — Encompass supports children and families across the Snoqualmie Valley and the greater Eastside.

However, the two physical locations don’t have enough space to meet the growing demand.

The organization is planning to construct a facility for its child care services on the honey farm property (located at the corner of 384th Avenue Southeast and Southeast Kimball Creek Drive in Snoqualmie) it had purchased in 2017. Since then, Encompass has been working to raise enough funds to build and open the new facility.

The new Snoqualmie facility will increase its ability to serve children by as much as 30 percent and allow for outdoor, nature-based learning as well. The facility also will create space for 36 additional children to attend half-day preschool, double the capacity of behavioral health programs like parent-child interaction therapy, and offer new therapeutic programs.

Through a recent $350,000 grant from the Vancouver-based M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, Encompass has raised some $6.6 million toward its $8.3 million goal.

Colleen Lenahan, Encompass marketing and communications manager, said she was happy when she learned the organization had received the grant.

“It’s always a surprise when someone says ‘Yes’ to you,” she said. “Getting a grant like this helps us secure future funding… We’re so grateful.”

Though Encompass is getting closer to its goal, it’s now turning to the community for help. Encompass recently launched its community phase for fundraising.

“We need the community to step up and help us,” said Nela Cumming, Encompass executive director.

Encompass plans to break ground on the new facility this summer with the hope of officially opening fall of 2021.

“We’re really excited to have a crown jewel of the community,” Cumming said. “It’ll enrich the whole community for years to come.”

To learn more about the capital campaign, go online to https://www.encompassnw.org/get-involved/capital-campaign/.