J.M. Smucker Company Funds Therapeutic Childcare Centers

The J.M. Smucker Company has committed funds to open therapeutic childcare centers at four locations throughout Ohio. The first therapeutic childcare center, The Academy for Brighter Futures, will be operated by the YMCA of Wayne County in collaboration with The Village Network. The Academy for Brighter Futures will provide daycare and preschool services to children aged 5 and under.

The therapeutic childcare centers were inspired by the tremendous rate of preschool expulsions across the United States– approximately 17,000 preschoolers are expelled annually, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. “What if we help these kids instead of kicking them out?” asks Rich Graziano, President and CEO of The Village Network. “I don’t believe in giving up on kids. We know that young people who have behavioral difficulties typically have underlying issues or trauma. If we give them the resources to help them cope, we can change their whole future.”

“We are delighted to partner with The Village Network,” says Nikki Fehrenbach, CEO of the YMCA of Wayne County. “We have seen a rapidly growing need for mental health services among children in our community. We are excited to be able to offer them the full support they need right in their preschool.”

Therapists from The Village Network will support the YMCA by offering therapeutic services grounded in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics. “Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model allows us to take the learnings from the neurosciences and embed them in not only the childcare approach but in the organization’s culture,” says Dave Paxton, Chief Clinical Officer at The Village Network. “The NM model isn’t just for children who have experienced trauma; all kids benefit from learning coping and resilience-building skills.” All therapeutic childcare staff will be trained in Trauma Informed Care and in the core elements of positive developmental, educational, and therapeutic experiences.

The Academy for Brighter Futures will be located at 2020 Noble Drive in Wooster, adjacent to The Village Network’s corporate offices. The Village Network is currently renovating the building to prepare for the childcare center. They also plan to add a playground with a variety of sensory-friendly equipment.

The Academy for Brighter Futures is expected to begin enrolling students in October 2024 and to open in December 2024. For more information on the program, please contact Lauren Grifo at Laureng@ymcawayne.org.

The Village Network is an experienced, multi-discipline behavioral health nonprofit organization helping youth and families become resilient, healthy, and have brighter futures. The YMCA of Wayne County is dedicated to providing comprehensive programs and services that enrich communities — and all of the people who live in them.