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YWCA NorthEastern New York Celebrates Grand Opening of Early Learning Center

YWCA NorthEastern New York, officially opened its new Early Learning Center at St. George’s Episcopal Church today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by business leaders, community partners, and elected officials. The event marked the completion of a $1 million renovation project that transforms underutilized historic space into a modern hub for high-quality childcare, serving as a critical bridge for the organization’s ongoing $50 million Harbor House Project. The opening of the St. George’s site is framed as a significant win for the regional workforce.

“Investing in people is economic development,” Benitez stated, noting that the center provides the “quality, culturally responsive, and competent service” required to support families in the modern economy. This sentiment was echoed by YWCA CEO Kim Siciliano, who noted that childcare is a “foundational” business issue that ensures parents can work, attend school, and build financial stability.

The ceremony included formal recognitions of the YWCA’s long-standing impact on the community:

• Maura Furey, representing the office of Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, honored the YWCA with a formal citation, recognizing the organization’s commitment to expanding early childhood education access in the region.
• Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy officially proclaimed January 29, 2026, as “YWCA Early Learning Center Day,” citing the YWCA’s history as an innovator in licensed childcare since 1985.

The project saw the YWCA move from its Washington Avenue campus in the Stockade neighborhood just a few blocks away at St. Georges chuch in a move that took less than six months to complete. The renovation, managed in partnership with Krista Construction and Sequence Development, was supported by a coalition of business and philanthropic entities, including GE Aerospace, the Wright Family Foundation, The Little Foundation, MVP Health Care and the Schenectady Foundation.

Andrea Vozar from GE Aerospace noted the deep historical business ties, recalling that the YWCA served as a boarding house for women working at GE in the 40s before they could independently sign leases. “This project is another way where we’re empowering women [and] families to dream big and ensure equity,” she said.

While the St. George’s site was initially conceived as a temporary solution during the renovation of the Washington Avenue campus, YWCA leadership expressed a desire to keep the location as a permanent expansion due to the overwhelming community need. This project serves as a precursor to the final phase of the YWCA’s expansion project: a new childcare campus at McClellan Street.

“Our ELC programs support social-emotional growth, early literacy, curiosity, and confidence,” said Nancy, the Early Learning Center Director. “This center offers the consistency and reliability that working parents depend on”.

About YWCA Northeastern New York Since 1976, YWCA Northeastern New York has provided comprehensive support services, including domestic violence services, affordable housing, and high-quality early learning curriculum. The organization remains a leader in fostering inclusive environments that empower families and strengthen the regional economy.

All 2026 ribbon cuttings of the Capital Region Chamber and its affiliates are sponsored by Community Bank, N.A.