When Expansion Gets Complicated: How BuildUp Oregon Helped TCA Creative Minds Overcome Challenges

TCA Creative Minds has expanded into a second location in Portland to serve a growing community and provide children with a strong start. This was a natural next step for Martha Thomas, who is a third-generation child care provider. Her mother and grandmother both owned their own businesses.

However, a seemingly straightforward process turned into a frustrating, expensive, and sometimes overwhelming experience. In January 2024, Thomas leased a new center in Gresham. In her quest to open the new location, she faced a maze of regulations and construction delays, which posed unexpected financial challenges.

“I paid rent for three or four months before we could even move in,” she recalled. “Despite my knowledge of the regulations, Gresham had different ones. In my efforts to get my doors open, I kept going back and forth between the city, the Chamber of Commerce, and the fire marshal."

There was an outdoor playground for the students at this new center. However, the project stalled when the first contractor couldn't meet safety and design standards. Thomas had to secure an additional $23,000 to hire a playground specialist to redraw the plans to meet permitting and building code requirements, adding another layer of stress and burden. "I spent every penny I had to keep my daycare. It was like fighting for my life," Thomas explains.

At this point, BuildUp Oregon followed up on TCA Creative Minds’ funding inquiry and provided assistance. As Thomas navigated permits, coordinated contractors, and organized funding applications, Facilities Advisor Juan Muros helped. "Juan has been such a blessing," Thomas says. “He guided me through a complicated process and explained everything he needed from me."

Muros witnessed Thomas' determination throughout the process. "Providers are not project developers," he explains, "but they are determined and want to make a difference. Thomas exemplified this resilience every step of the way."

TCA Creative Minds opened its doors to new families and children in November 2024 thanks, in part, to BuildUp Oregon funding and technical support. Families, community members, and city officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new center.

Recognizing the weight of this achievement, Thomas broke down in tears. "My grandmother, mother, and sister all owned day care centers, and I've always wanted my own. My sisters share in my excitement over what I have accomplished."

With this new center, TCA Creative Minds has added 10 additional child care slots to its existing 40. As a result, more families will be able to access essential services and quality early learning programs.

"Working with Martha and seeing how the community has benefited from these funds has been rewarding," Muros says.

With the completion of the playground in April 2025, Thomas reflects on how excited the kids have been about playing outside. “The mission isn't about us, but about the kids,” she says. “Educating and growing them in a safe and secure environment is crucial to their long-term success. As a result of BuildUp Oregon funding, they have it now."