Justin Donley and Shannon

When Justin and Shannon Donley began searching for a new child care center, they weren't simply looking for a different place to take their children. They wanted peace of mind.

After a difficult experience at a previous child care center, they knew it was time to make a change.

"The experience was heartbreaking. We had to prioritize our son's safety and honor our intuition," they shared. "We were slow to believe we'd find a place that we could trust again."

Like many parents, they wondered if they would ever feel completely comfortable leaving their children in someone else's care again. Then they toured the Andover YMCA Early Learning Center.

Meeting leaders who genuinely listened. Seeing teachers actively engaged with children. Open classrooms that created visibility. Honest communication. Daily updates that reassured them their children were safe, cared for and thriving.

Slowly, trust began to return.

Today, Isaac comes home excited to share stories about his teachers and friends. Ellison comes home smiling, sleepy and content after a day filled with love and play.

"It means the world to us knowing that our children are not only safe, but truly thriving," the couple remarked.

Over time, the YMCA became much more than child care.

The Donley family spends much of their time at the Y, where their children participate in sports, gymnastics, swimming lessons and other activities. They've built relationships with staff and other families and found a community that extends far beyond the walls of the Early Learning Center.

Justin and Shannon commented: "There is home, church, and the YMCA. When we get into the car, our maps app usually tries to take us to the YMCA."