The Waynesboro Area YMCA is excited to share that we have received a $50,000 grants from the Nora Roberts Foundation to support our Strengthening Families: Childcare Enhancement Project, an initiative that will expand childcare capacity for children and families throughout the community.
The project will convert the underutilized racquetball court into a modern childcare classroom while renovating the adjoining Child Watch classroom and creating a secure outdoor play area. Together, these improvements will allow the YMCA to Serve more children year-round while providing spaces designed to encourage learning and development.
The renovation will include a new energy-efficient HVAC system, upgrade lighting, improve safety features, new doors and windows, sensory and STEM learning equipment, flexible learning spaces and shaded gathering spaces.
This will directly benefit several of our childcare programs, including Child Watch, Before and After School Care, School’s Out Club, the Middle School Engagement Program and Summer Camp. As demand for quality childcare continues to grow across the region, the additional classroom and outdoor learning space will allow us to better serve working families while enhancing the daily experience for hundreds of local children.
The total project is estimated at $196,077. The Nora Roberts Foundation’s $50,000 grant represents a significant investment toward bringing the vision to life, while we have committed $25,000 to the project and secured an additional $25,000 pledge from a YMCA member. We will continue fundraising and investing resources to complete the renovation and the planned improvements become a reality.
The Waynesboro Area YMCA extends a heartfelt gratitude to the Nora Roberts Foundation for making this investment in local families. Their generosity will help transform underutilized space into an environment where children can grow for generations to come.