NORWICH – About 70 percent of the placement calls made to the Children’s Center in Norwich are being turned away for lack of space, and the day care’s operator, Catholic Charities of Chenango County, is offsetting about $10,000 a year in expenses just to keep the center open.

These two factors, plus an increasing need for second shift services, brought a consultant for the not-for-profit before members of the Chenango County Planning & Economic Development Committee recently to request $10,000 in financial assistance.

The committee’s assistance would pay for a feasibility study, one that would explore the center’s options for expansion. The study, in turn, would serve as needed leverage for pursuing government grants and partnerships with local businesses and organizations.

“The center is not keeping up with demand ... and the population of those who want services and what the workforce can afford is not matching up. We can’t charge what we need to cover the costs,” said Martha Ryan, representing the center.

If a feasibility study greenlights the need for expansion, Ryan said Catholic Charities would consider expanding hours and shifts or possibly opening up two satellite locations to better serve the county’s major employers. The center currently serves about 91 children and infants from 79 families. Catholic Charities Director Jane Coddington said between 10 and 12 townships are represented, but about 74 percent of clients are from greater Norwich.