Saint John, NB – The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is excited to announce the opening of a new child care location neighbouring Parkland in the Valley, property of Shannex in Quispamsis, further expanding our commitment to providing quality and accessible child care services in the community.

The expansion is a crucial step toward meeting the increasing demand for child care spots, as the Y currently faces a waitlist of almost 1,000 families seeking this essential service.

The new child care facility, located at 20 Millenium Drive, is set to welcome children and families this spring. This expansion is part of the Y’s ongoing efforts to meet the growing demand for reliable and enriching child care services, supporting families in and around the Quispamsis area.

“The Y acknowledges the challenges by families in securing child care and is taking proactive steps to address the urgent demand,” says Shilo Boucher, President and CEO of the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick. “This opening of the Shannex location is part of the Y’s strategic plan demonstrating our commitment to expanding capacity and creating more centres of community in Southwestern New Brunswick,” continues Boucher.

The Y is proud to collaborate with Shannex to address the community’s child care needs. This partnership not only enhances the service offerings in the region but also showcases the collective commitment to building a stronger, more supportive community.

“We are proud of this collaboration with the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick, an organization that shares our deep commitment and connection to community,” said Heather Hanson, Vice President, Strategy and Brand of Shannex. “The new child care centre will provide much-needed support for families in the area, while also offering unique and fulfilling intergenerational experiences for children, seniors and team members from both organizations.”

“The multifaceted Intergenerational Program will include recreational opportunities in active living and creativity, as well as skill and story sharing projects that allow for meaningful participation and sharing of knowledge for children and seniors.” Shared Mika Edison, Manager of the new Child care program. “Additionally, Seniors will be able to become Volunteers within the Child Care facility. This program is aimed at expanding the feelings of relevance, independence, companionship, community, and security for participants as well as prompting positive attitudes between various age groups.”

In 2019 projects that would incorporate the New Brunswick Youth Engagement Initiative and The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick Strategic Plan, towards the Provincial goal of Connecting Generations and helping Saint John become an Age Friendly Community, began. According to research, by 2030 New Brunswick residents over the age 65 and those under the age of 14 will combine to outnumber working age adults. Engaging both the youth, and older adult population is paramount in South Western New Brunswick’s success. With the Community Partner of the Saint John Shannex we set out to accomplish a number of goals. One, increase the quality and reach of our current Intergenerational Programming to focus on Mental Fitness, especially in relatedness, competency and autonomy. Two, have a Community event for Intergenerational Day to celebrate the relationships formed and inform the larger community about the efforts of the YMCA. Lastly, to implement a consistent Intergonial Program.

Our hope with the facility at 20 Millennium Drive is to continue with Intergenerational Programing and build upon existing resources so there is a consistent schedule with measurable impact on both communities. In addition to our previously mentioned goals, our focus with this program is to Increase Older Adult Involvement in the community.

The Y remains dedicated to its mission of igniting potential in our community. By expanding child care services, the Y is taking a significant step towards ensuring families have access to the support they need to thrive.

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About Shannex
Shannex Incorporated has been providing seniors’ accommodation, service and care since 1988 when founder Joseph Shannon purchased a nursing home in his hometown of Sydney, Nova Scotia. His vision forged a path to set a new standard in accommodations, services and support for seniors, and for more than three decades, residents and their families have inspired the organization’s continued growth. What started as a single location in Cape Breton has grown to include operations across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario, where approximately 5,900 employees provide care and service to more than 5,200 residents. For more information, visit www.shannex.com

About YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick
The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is a trusted charity that ignites the potential in people, fostering lasting personal and social change. We are committed to providing opportunities for people to shine through a variety of programs and services, including health, fitness and recreation, licensed child care, camps, outdoor education, employment, education, newcomer services, leadership development and volunteer opportunities. With over 19 locations and supporting more than 22,000 people in Southwestern New Brunswick, the Y is a leading charity that helps everyone shine. For more information, visit swnb.ymca.ca.

Media Contact:

Erin Lawlor
Manager of Marketing and Communications,
YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick
e.lawlor@yswnb.ca
506-608-6200

Isabelle Landry
Senior Communications Manager
ilandry@shannex.com
506-863-9570