After a decade of providing integrated childcare to the community of Ellenville, The Circle of Friends will be closing its doors this fall.

“The decision to close was made several months ago,” said Mimi Werner, the program's director. “We're sorry that we're not continuing but it is not viable to stay open,” she said. The Circle of Friends will be closing approximately August 17 and not reopening again this coming fall.

The Circle of Friends, which has been overseen by the Children's Annex has provided an opportunity for children of all learning abilities to collaborate and interact with one another. The center has provided “quality childcare for the children of the community, while providing integrated programs for those with special needs,” said Werner.

Throughout the years the Circle of Friends has struggled with enrollment numbers and financial deficits, which Werner cites as the major reasons that the facility is closing. Though it has the capability of enrolling a maximum of thirty-seven children, these slots are rarely filled.

“A change in demographics has resulted in an inconsistent need for the program and makes it impossible for planning,” said Werner. The childcare center, which is a not- for-profit satellite program of the Children's Annex, has been depending on the viability of the program to stay in operation.

Despite receiving grants and a tremendous amount of assistance from the Children's Annex, Circle of Friends has still been unable to close the financial gaps and make their ends meet. “It's been difficult but we've given parents plenty of lead time to find other childcare providers,” said Werner.

The Children's Annex, located in both Kingston and Ellenville, has been serving children with special needs for over 30 years. The Annex is an alternative school that provides specialized programs for children with autism and other learning disabilities. The Ellenville based program was available to children ages 3-8 and works towards helping students assimilate into the public school system. “Our programs have been very successful,” said Werner. “After children have participated in the collaboration program with the Circle of Friends there has been a 90% success rate of students returning to the public schools,” said Werner.

Although Werner is sad to see the program coming to an end, she is realistic about the feasibility of keeping it open. “We've been trying for 10 years and it just isn't possible any longer or we would continue.”

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