Construction Almost Complete on North Wheeling Dream Center Child Care Space

photo by: Joselyn King
Bishop Darrell Cummings, pastor of Bethlehem Apostolic Temple, shows the future day care space inside the North Wheeling Community Dream Center. It sits almost ready for toddlers with fresh paint and colorful flooring.
WHEELING — A new day care center at the Bethlehem Apostolic Temple is nearly ready for toddlers, and the next step for the church is to find a qualified person to run it so it can start producing revenue.
Bishop Darrell Cummings said construction on the day care room at the North Wheeling Community Dream Center could be complete by the start of 2025, and by no later than two weeks into the new year.
He noted there are still a few plumbing and electrical issues that remain, as well as the construction of a handicapped-accessible ramp.
“Definitely, though, it is 90% complete,” Cummings said of the day care area. “We’re still looking for someone with an existing day care who wants to expand and use that space. It could also be used by someone wanting to start a day care.
“If we can’t find anyone, we will open one ourselves and start by looking for an executive director. It’s our next big hurdle — a few leads, but nothing is solidified.”
The space has been approved for use by up to 30 children.
The 35,000-square-foot Dream Center spans an entire block. It has four floors, and now uses 10 furnaces.
Opening the daycare center will provide a revenue stream to the church to fix up and rent other areas at the Dream Center, Cummings has explained.
“It will be a dream come true,” he continued. “Right now, we have no moneymaking energy. Everything is a loss leader. We’re still carrying out our original mission to help people. We’re doing that at great expense, but we have no income.”
The sizable building also has large electric, gas, and insurance bills, as well as a regular water bill and maintenance, Cummings said.
“All of this comes with no income, and it’s definitely a challenge,” he continued. “I call it the Dream Center, but there are some members of the congregation who call it ‘the nightmare.’ But if dreams came easy, everybody would do it.”
Cummings said the church has spent $500,000 to renovate the Dream Center, and he believes “it’s going to be worth it eventually.”
Additionally, the Dream Center received $100,000 in American Rescue Plan Act dollars through the City of Wheeling to help transition the basement area into a child care facility. The Ohio County Commission last year also directed $180,000 in ARPA funds to the Dream Center to help pay for replacement of the six roof sections on the building.
Newbridge – A Vineyard Church, is starting its own day care center at 1015 Main St., and Cummings wishes them well.
“It is important that North Wheeling and the Main Street area have a day care center. All the other day cares locally are out of the area,” Cummings said. “Newbridge is going to have one in downtown. I wish them well. I hear they are doing a great job, and I encourage everyone to support them.
“But good to have one (a daycare) in your own neighborhood. It makes the kids feel more welcome. But we will welcome anybody from any neighborhood.”
The majority of day care centers have waiting lists, he continued.
“And we would like to be part of the answer,” Cummings said. “Prayers are also appreciated.”