Longshot Deal For College Campus Sought By Southington Nonprofit

SOUTHINGTON, CT — If you have $9.99 million laying around, a relatively new nonprofit organization dedicated to family communities has just the place to spend it.

The organization is called "The Misfit Mamas, Inc." and it is led by Southington resident Shennandoah "Shea" Wordell.

Wordell, a stay-at-home mother of a toddler, helped form the organization after the birth of her child in 2022 and her suffering from postpartum depression.

Now, Wordell and "Misfit Mamas" hope to purchase a large, empty 32.75-acre campus in Southington, once home to Briarwood College, then the Lincoln College of New England.

So far, though, the organization has raised $1,055 toward the $10 million goal, so it needs a lot of money fast.

The site sits at 2279 Mount Vernon Road, Southington, and it is reportedly still for sale with an asking price of about $9.5 million. There are other plans for the property floating around for the site, including housing.

Of course, the college shut down in 2018 and the campus has been vacant since.

"Misfit Mamas" aims to create programs in the community for families that bring back the "roots of the village" concept to residents.

"The Misfit Mamas, Inc. was founded in hopes of bringing the roots of the village and community back for families everywhere. We believe that human connection is our human right," wrote Wordell via a GoFundMe site.

"We have witnessed first-hand over the last year how something so simple can make such a drastic impact on the mental health crisis, especially after the upheaval of COVID-19. Humans are not meant to be isolated and alone- connection is what helps us thrive."

She hopes to get the money, purchase the site and transform the old college into a massive center for "Misfit Mamas."

Essentially, it would become a place for familes and children to enjoy, learn and thrive through parent enrichment classes, family fun events and day-care options.

"This center would offer a 10 thousand square foot FREE Community center with indoor and outdoor play structures, a teen center, a resource lab, a cafe, and a 2,600+ sqft Sitter Style Daycare facility attached," wrote Wordell.

Obviously, the project has a major price tag attached to this site, but Wordell is hoping enough folks donate to, at least, give Misfit Mamas a changce.

"Every family deserves to feel like they are part of a community, that they are supported, that they are loved, and it starts with you and I coming together to make it all possible," wrote Wordell.

For the GoFundMe donation page for Misfit Mamas, click on this link.

For more information on Southington-based "Misfit Mamas," click on this link.

From Aug. 21, 2018: 'Lincoln College in Southington Closing Its Campus'