Bryan Torres, 7, of Bowling Green, Ky., plays with a balloon, during a neighborhood block party at The Foundry, Thursday Oct. 25, 2012 in Bowling Green, Ky. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Daily News)

Thanks to a large donation to The Foundry announced Thursday, the community center will be able to expand a preschool program next fall. 

Bowling Green businessmen and developers David Chandler and Mike Simpson presented a $200,000 check to The Foundry for a preschool to open in fall 2015.

The Foundry is a Christian community center at 531 W. 11th Ave. supported by the Bowling Green District of United Methodist Churches.

“Our mission is simply to raise up leaders in the west end community of Bowling Green through education, fitness and spiritual development,” said Pastor Rick Bard, superintendent of the district.

The Foundry started a pilot preschool program for nine 2-year-olds this fall, because early childhood education is a need for the west end of town, he said. 

“So many children from the west end, when they’re tested for kindergarten, they’re not ready, which means they’re about 18 months behind,” Bard said. “In many cases, it means instead of being a success, they end up becoming a statistic.”

The pilot preschool is called the Parent and Child Time program, which works with children and one of their parents one day a week to prepare them for school. 

“We believe in a holistic approach,” Bard said. “You have to involve the family and that benefits everyone.” 

Parents “learn how to help their child’s education move forward,” Bard said. “We’re seeing more parents confident in teaching their children.” 

The preschool program will expand the Parent and Child Time model to two days a week for 40 2- and 3-year-olds.  

The donation, facilitated by the Community Foundation of South Central Kentucky, will help renovate the building and cover the materials and staff needed for the preschool, which will be offered at no cost to families.

“Coming from modest beginnings ourselves, it’s exciting to see all children have the opportunity to advance,” Chandler said. 

He and Simpson found out about The Foundry’s work through Bard, a former senior pastor at Broadway United Methodist Church, which both men attend.

Simpson said he was inspired by Bard’s vision and desire to help those less fortunate.

“He’s very clear in his vision and what he wants for this community,” Simpson said. 

— Follow reporter Laurel Wilson on Twitter at twitter.com/FaithinBG or visit bgdailynews.com.