YWCA San Antonio opens Harvey E. Najim Early Childhood Education Center

The center was created by a team of predominantly women designers and architects, and was built using trauma-informed design that cultivates a space of healing and stability. The new center was made possible by donations from Harvey E. Najim and many other donors.

What they’re saying

Multiple speakers praised the new childcare center, citing the need for early education to create a healthy child and a strong family.

“Access to high-quality, affordable childcare in your community is the difference for a woman between just surviving and thriving,” Haley Ellison, chair of the board of directors, said.

“This project represents something very important for our community, because child care is not a family issue; it is an essential infrastructure,” Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai said.

The background

The YWCA Women’s Live and Learn Center serves young women ages 18-25, including those at risk of homelessness and domestic violence, and women who have aged out of foster care.

Additionally, the center will support residents earning at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, or 30% of the area median income.

At the center, women will have access to various services, including workforce training, mental health counseling, early childhood care and financial literacy education.

“Today is about setting the foundation for quality early childhood education, because it's one's early childhood that marks a person's life,” said Rebeca Clay-Flores, Bexar County precinct 1 commissioner.

• March 25
• 2318 Castroville Road, San Antonio
• https://ywcasa.org/womens-live-and-learn-center