A new daycare center opened this week as part of a joint effort between the Merrimack Valley YMCA, the Town of Andover and South Church on Central Street.
“Families in the Merrimack Valley need and deserve high-quality, safe child care,” Merrimack Valley YMCA President and CEO Francis J. Kenneally said. “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.”
The day care center will serve 36 children, adding to the 900 the YMCA serves at five locations in the Merrimack Valley. South Church is providing renovated space for multiple child care rooms, and the center is accepting new enrollments.
“Our partnership with the YMCA represents a beautiful convergence of missions,” South Church pastor Rev. Dana Walsh said. “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.”
A ribbon cutting Tuesday drew state and local officials, including state Rep. Tram Nguyen (D-Andover), a representative from state Sen. Barry Finegold’s (D-Andover) office, and Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce President Joseph Bevilacqua.
“This is a great example of how collaborations can directly benefit our communities,” Nguyen said. “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.”