City of South Bend to Partner and Support New Downtown Childcare Facility at YMCA

Investment addresses documented childcare shortages and supports working families

The City of South Bend has agreed to support the development of a new, licensed childcare facility at the YMCA of Greater Michiana’s Downtown South Bend location at 111 W. Jefferson Blvd. 

The city’s investment responds to a documented shortage of accessible and affordable childcare in the region. According to 2024 data analyzed by enFocus, licensed childcare capacity in St. Joseph County meets only about 60% of estimated need, while childcare costs consume as much as 11-16% of annual household income, well above the federal affordability benchmark. These challenges disproportionately affect working families and limit workforce participation, particularly in downtown employment centers. 

“Access to reliable childcare is critical to working families and a strong local economy,” said Mayor James Mueller. “The YMCA is a trusted partner who will help to improve South Bend’s workforce and quality of life with this new facility.” 

The new 10,000-square-foot childcare facility will be located on the first floor of the Downtown South Bend YMCA and provide full-day, licensed care for infants and toddlers. The center will serve downtown employees, residents living in the urban core, and others seeking affordable childcare options within the city. 

The project builds on the YMCA of Greater Michiana’s established experience as a childcare and early learning provider. The Y operates licensed childcare and youth development programs across southwest Michigan and northern Indiana and is one of the region’s largest providers of early childhood programming 

“We’re grateful for the City of South Bend’s leadership and partnership,” said Denise Peters, Chief Operations Officer of the YMCA of Greater Michiana. “This support moves a much-needed project forward and reflects a shared commitment to supporting families, employers, and the broader community.” 

Design work for the facility is underway, with construction expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026. The center is anticipated to open in January 2027, with enrollment beginning in late 2026. 

For more information about the YMCA of Greater Michiana and its programs and services, visit ymcagm.org or call (574) 245-7677.

About the YMCA of Greater Michiana 

YMCA of Greater Michiana is a nonprofit charitable organization 501(c)(3) that has worked collaboratively with community partners to improve the lives of children, adults, and families in southwest Michigan and northcentral Indiana for over 100 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they are from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow, and thrive. For more information, visit www.ymcagm.org.