Hunterdon County Commissioner Soloway visits YMCA to see impact of COVID recovery grant
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Hunterdon County Commissioner Susan J. Soloway and Health Department Director Karen DeMarco visited the YMCA Child Learning Center on Friday, June 6, to observe how county grant funds have been used to improve facilities and services for local children.
In March 2024, the Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners allocated $1 million to support nonprofit organizations affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency. The YMCA Child Learning Center was awarded $100,000 through the initiative and used the funds to make key upgrades that promote a safer and more enriching learning environment.
“It is incredibly rewarding to see how these grant funds have directly benefited local children and families in our community,” Soloway said during the visit. “The YMCA has done an outstanding job ensuring that our youth have access to high-quality learning spaces.”
Senior Director of Child Care Karin Smith and Associate Director Beth Saraceno led a tour of the upgraded facility, which now includes new classrooms, indoor play areas, creative curriculum enhancements, and expanded enrichment programming. They expressed gratitude for the funding, which was part of the State and Local Recovery Funds received by the county under the American Rescue Plan.
The grant program, administered in partnership with HFA Certified Public Accountants & Advisors, awarded funds to nonprofits based on demonstrated need and potential community impact.
“These improvements to the YMCA Child Learning Center reflect the commitment of local nonprofits to serve and strengthen our communities,” Soloway said. “It is inspiring to see organizations like the YMCA continue to provide essential services with the support of these grants.”
