$1 Million for Central Lincoln County YMCA Secured by Senator Collins in Funding Bill

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured $1,000,000 for Central Lincoln County YMCA in the Fiscal Year 2023 Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill.  As the Ranking Member and lead Republican on the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins co-authored the bill. 

The omnibus funding package passed the Senate by a vote of 68-29.  It will now be passed by the House before heading to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“Community institutions like the YMCA are wonderful assets for towns that bring families and neighbors together,” said Senator Collins.  “This funding for the Central Lincoln County YMCA will expand access to child care, creating a safe, structured environment for children to play and learn while their parents are at work.”

“We are grateful for the critical support from Congress to expand child care access. We currently have extensive waiting lists for all our child care programs and simply need to be serving more families. Our planning is underway for an expanded facility which will serve more families,” said Casey Clark Kelley, CEO of Central Lincoln County YMCA. “Early education care access not only supports a child developmentally, but also allows families to work. It is not just a parent issue, it is a community issue. We greatly appreciate the advocacy of Senator Collins in support of this project.” 

Central Lincoln County YMCA currently operates three early education child care classrooms serving infants through toddlers (ages 6 weeks-4 years) at an off-site facility in Nobleboro.  The design and location of this building limits capacity, and there is an extensive waiting list.

This funding will support Central Lincoln County YMCA’s effort to expand its main Y facility with additional classrooms to expand services and better meet the demand for child care in the region.

###