The phone calls keep coming. And beyond the crucial need for emergency child care, everyone appreciates Paula Perrier’s warm, friendly and calming voice on the other end of the line.

The Tri-Community Family Branch is one of four emergency child care programs in our Association, each providing care for up to 40 children per day. “For me,” says Paula, the Director of Child Development Services in Southbridge, “this is exactly where I belong. It gives me incredible joy to know that our Y is helping essential employees do the work that they need to do during these unprecedented and uncertain times. Having a safe, positive and fun environment gives every parent peace of mind as they leave their children in our care.”

Like Rosa – a grandmother who has custody of her 10 year-old granddaughter. She is an essential worker at a local medical manufacturing plant. Without reliable child care, her granddaughter is shuffled between neighbors’ houses or left home alone. Instead, Rosa’s granddaughter spends the day playing, reading, doing yoga and group projects – all while maintaining social distance. She also receives a healthy breakfast and lunch, and a few snacks in between.

“Most of these children are new to the Y, and it’s amazing how quickly bonds are forming,” says Paula. Today’s programming, which engages children in writing thank you messages on hearts in appreciation for the hard work of so many in our community, is delivered by a caring and compassionate group of Y educators who answered the call.

Indeed, we’re ALL doing our part.