On March 10, dozens of officials gathered for a groundbreaking photo-op in a grassy field adjacent to Thermal Belt Outreach in Columbus. The 2.6-acre site will in 12-14 months be the new home for WNC Source Columbus Children’s Center, a $2.54 million, 7,500 sq. ft. childcare center that will serve up to 40 infants and toddlers. WNC Source provides childcare in Early Head Start (6 weeks to 3 years), Head Start (3-5 years) and NC Pre-K programming in four WNC counties. Speakers included David White, CEO of WNCSource; Margot Carter, executive director of Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry; Linda Carter, director of WNCSource’s Children’s Services; and Tricia Wilson, Dogwood Health Trust. (Photos by Claire Sachse)