For the first time in years, Mathews County has a licensed community child care center, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Mathews Family YMCA, the Mathews Community Foundation and Mathews Social Services.

The facility is serving only half the number of children it’s able to, at present.

Located at the Mathews Boys and Girls Club, the center provides a safe, fun, educational environment for school-age children up to 12 years old during the workday.

While the center is licensed for up to 32 children a day under pandemic restrictions, Mathews YMCA Director Buzz Lambert said only about 15 children regularly attend.

The cost of care—$95 per week for YMCA members and $130 for non-members—has thus far been subsidized with CARES Act funding and the support of the Virginia Department of Social Services and the community foundation.

Mathews Social Services Director Tiffany Gordon said that CARES Act funds had been provided to cover the cost of care for any working family...