The Merrimack Valley YMCA opened a brand new child care center in collaboration with the town of Andover and the South Church, expanding to offer infant care for the first time.
“Families in the Merrimack Valley need and deserve high-quality, safe child care,” said Francis J. Kenneally, President and CEO of the Merrimack Valley YMCA. “We’re so excited to open this new center today, expanding our capacity in Andover, adding infant care, and giving parents the peace of mind that our talented staff provide. We’re thankful to the South Church for opening its doors to us and to the town of Andover for supporting this collaboration.”
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With a capacity for up to 36 children, this new child care center offers the same high quality, affordable child care programs for which the Y is known. The Merrimack Valley YMCA serves 900 children from infants through school age at five locations in the region.
“Quality, affordable child care is critical to a thriving community,” said Andover Town Manager Andrew Flanagan. “The opening of the Merrimack Valley YMCA child care center at South Church is a significant step towards making sure that Andover families can access the essential support they need. This program will not only help parents balance work and family life but also fosters the development of our youngest residents, strengthening the fabric of our community for years to come.”
The Merrimack Valley YMCA partnered with the South Church to use the church’s renovated spaces for multiple child care rooms.
"Our partnership with the YMCA represents a beautiful convergence of missions,” said Rev. Dana Walsh, South Church Pastor. “By opening our doors to the YMCA, we're taking our commitment to nurturing connections and embodying God's love within and beyond our walls. The YMCA's dedication to helping children become their best selves aligns well with our vision of compassionate service, creating a transformative space where community and care intersect.”
The Y celebrated the opening of the center on Dec. 3 with a ribbon cutting with Flanagan, Walsh, State Rep. Tram Nguyen; Janice Phillips, representing State Sen. Barry Finegold’s office; Joseph Bevilacqua, president of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce; and YMCA childcare staff.
“This is a great example of how collaborations can directly benefit our communities,” said Nguyen. “I’m thrilled to have this child care expansion in Andover. At the state level, we can not do this work to support families without amazing partners at the local level.”
State Sen. Barry Finegold said, "Everyone knows we have a childcare shortage, so it's especially heartening to see trusted local leaders like the Merrimack Valley YMCA and South Church coming together to open a brand new facility. Families in our communities will welcome this timely collaboration."
The Merrimack Valley YMCA South Church Child Care Center offers infant care through preschool age care, led by the YMCA’s trained staff. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Families can learn more at www.mvymca.org. The center is accepting new enrollments.
