The Midland YMCA is seeking to accommodate the needs of the community while still maintaining COVID-19 safety precautions.
While most programs require membership, the YMCA has an emergency childcare program for children between the ages of 6 and 12 whose parents qualify as essential workers, according to the Midland YMCA website. Childcare is available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The cost for YMCA members is only $125 per child, per week. For nonmembers, the cost is $163 per child, per week.
In addition to childcare services, the YMCA also aims to help parents out with a service that will transport teenagers to the facility after school.
According to a Midland YMCA Facebook post, the YMCA will run a shuttle service from each Midland County junior high school, departing at 4:30 p.m. each regular school day.
The service is only transportation, and though the YMCA advertises multiple evening activities for junior high students, there is no additional supervision offered as part of the transportation service.
“This is not a child care program and teens will not have direct supervision, but will adhere to our code of conduct,” the Facebook flyer says.
In addition to activities such as basketball, volleyball and swimming, the flyer lists specialty classes for students, such as CPR and first aid.
While offering services to keep members engaged and active, the Midland YMCA has also set COVID-19 safety guidelines.
While masks are not required in the facility, state guidelines do require that all staff and members wear gloves while working out, according to the Midland YMCA website. The YMCA does have non-latex gloves available for those who do not have them.
The YMCA has also initiated screening and sanitizing procedures for anyone entering the facility.