Inasmuch as the Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe plan precludes gyms, fitness centers and similar operations from opening for business, the YMCA of Greater Michiana is pivoting in midstream to transition their St. Joseph facilities for childcare services to assist the medical community in Michigan’s Great Southwest.
Officials at the Y say that in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, they are evolving their services to provide child care for first responders and other professionals at Spectrum Health Lakeland and other essential workers.
Mark Weber, Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Greater Michiana, says, “We have transitioned our facilities to support doctors, nurses, technicians, and medical staff by providing care for their children during this crisis,” and adds, “We want to make sure medical professionals in our community don’t have to worry that their children are in a safe place, as they care for a growing number of our loved ones during this difficult time.”
Currently, care is being offered at the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph branch, Monday-Friday from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. Children ages infant to 12 years are welcome to attend. Offerings may be extended to other Y locations based on need.
The Y is following guidelines from the state and local health departments and is taking the following precautions:
- Children and staff will be evaluated each day to include fever checks and anyone with an elevated temperature or multiple symptoms will be turned away.
- Children will be in small groups (max 10) in multiple locations only. No large group gatherings or activities.
- Small groups will be rotated to different activity areas in staggered rotations to allow for sanitizing in between.
- Absolutely no toys or blankets from home.
- Program space will be deep cleaned each night
Weber says, “The Y is so much more than fitness centers and gyms, pools and locker rooms,” and concludes, “We are a cause-driven organization dedicated to strengthening and protecting the spirits, minds, and bodies of our community.”
Those interested in care can contact Dr. Zechariah Hoyt, Executive Director of Youth Programs at zhoyt@ymcagm.org. Due to the Y’s facility closures, phones are not being monitored.
To learn more about the Y and its response to COVID-19, you can visit online at this link:
