The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina was awarded $10,000 from the Corning Incorporated Foundation to help support parents working in essential jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release Thursday.

The funds are being used to provide child care for children of healthcare workers, first responders and others who are needed to maintain essential services.
 
Full day child care programs are being offered at the Nir Family YMCA and Midtown YMCA, and financial assistance is available for families who need it.
 
“While many people are staying home, essential workers don’t have that option,” said Corey Maarschalk, YMCA Southeastern North Carolina’s Youth Services Branch Director, in the release. “We recognize that people working on the front lines of the COVID-19 response need access to safe, quality child care so they can care for others.”
 
According to the release, extra measures are being taken to ensure children and staff are safe, including temperature checks prior to entering the building each day, frequent hand-washing, smaller groups and activities conducive to physical spacing. The YMCA has also added enhanced cleaning protocols for its facilities, the release stated.
 
Interested families should contact Maarschalk at [email protected] or (910) 726-9847, ext. 255.