GVY to Run "Here for You" Program Providing Child Care Options for Emergency Responders and Medical Staff

March 19, 2020 at 8:39 AM

Download Program Registration Forms Here 

Download Program Payment Form for Credit Card or Direct Draft Payment Here

During these unprecedented times, we know children’s care options for emergency responders and medical staff are a large community need.  Earlier this week, the State of Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning announced Child Care organizations like the Y may temporarily operate this type of programming.  Accordingly, the Greater Valley YMCA will be offering a “Here for You” Program, supporting the Lehigh Valley’s doctors, nurses, technicians, other medical staff, and first responders. The Program will be operated by the Y at select Branch locations, providing care for the children of these personnel. 

The Here for You Program will launch on Monday, March 23^rd at the Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton/Phillipsburg, and Nazareth Branches of the Greater Valley YMCA.  Further details on each site’s operational hours, contact information, and program meals offered is as follows:

These sites will offer care for children grades Kindergarten through Sixth, overseen by trained Y Staff.  Emergency Responders/Medical Staff interested in enrolling their children are encouraged to reach out via the above contact information.  Additionally, community members may visit the Greater Valley YMCA’s website to download enrollment paperwork.  Enrollment paperwork will only be accepted via email submission.

Note that enrollment will only be accepted for hospital staff until 8:00am on Friday, March 20^th, at which time enrollment will be open to hospital staff as well as to all doctors, nurses, technicians, other medical staff, and first responders.  Program slots will be available on a first come, first served basis, and will be filled until enrollment meets capacity.  Enrollment must be received by email no later than Saturday, March 21^st by noon.  Enrollment paperwork must be accompanied by parental proof of emergency response/medical staff work (ID).  The Y has reduced the cost of this program to $100/week. 

As we focus our efforts on supporting those helping to keep our community safe, you can support the Y in turn through maintaining Y membership, donating to the Y via our website, or helping to spread the word via social media. 

“The Y is always here to meet pressing community needs, and during this difficult time, this is one way we can step up, offer a service that is much-needed, and help,” comments David Fagerstrom, President/CEO of the Greater Valley YMCA, “We want to make sure those caring for our neighbors during this crisis don’t have to worry that their children are in a safe place, being well cared for.”  At the Y, we believe that when we all work together, we can create meaningful social action and come through this crisis a stronger community than ever before.