State Approves Gleason Family YMCA as Emergency Childcare Center

The Gleason Family YMCA in Wareham has been approved as an Emergency Child Care Center offering Drop-In Emergency child care.

"YMCA SOUTHCOAST remains committed to serving our community through this time of crisis. As one of the Nation’s largest providers of licensed childcare, the Y has stepped in to provide free drop-in emergency care for families who need us most. The Y is proud to support our healthcare, first responder and essential employees and their families." - Jim Scherer, President, and CEO, YMCA SOUTHCOAST

Space is limited and mandatory 'Essential Service' employee verification must be provided. To prepare for arrival, please download the Child Enrollment Form for Emergency Child Care Program document. Please fill them out and bring them with you. Spaces will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis for eligible participants. For forms and information, please visit the COVID-19 Resource Page HERE.

The Gleason Family YMCA is located at ​33 Charge Pond Road in Wareham. For more information please contact Amanda Libby by calling 774-762-0015 or email alibby@ymcasc.org.

In addition to providing essential childcare, the YMCA will continue its work to fight food insecurity in our region. Three YMCA SOUTHCOAST locations will be collecting food donations [Gleason Family YMCA in Wareham, Mattapoisett YMCA, and Dartmouth YMCA] that will be delivered to local food pantries through the partnership with the United Way of Greater New Bedford's Hunger Commission.

UWGNBHC Donation guidelines:

• Will accept all non-perishable, sealed, unexpired food.
• Depending on the day of the pickup and which pantries are open, the Y may also be able to accept fresh produce, meat, eggs, and dairy.
• Packaged/prepared meals may be accepted as well, at the discretion of the Hunger Commission Coordinator.
• Non-glass containers are preferred for the safety of staff/volunteers.

Additionally, the Y will continue its Nutrition on Weekends (N.O.W.) through the school closure period. The staff is bagging up the weekend packages and delivering them to the Friday school lunch pick-ups at Hayden McFadden and Gomes schools.

“Pantries are seeing a huge increase in need across our communities during the COVID-19 crisis. Food insecurity is often misunderstood as individuals or families who go hungry every day,” said Kate Levin, the Membership and Marketing Director for YMCA SOUTHCOAST. “The reality is that food insecurity impacts families living above and below the poverty line and is defined by their ability to access affordable fresh, nutritious food consistently. Given the shortages and hoarding, we have seen, compounded by the loss of income, families most at risk are currently pushed beyond their ability to provide for their families.”