YMCA’s Parkway Forest Child Care moves to a new home
Since first opening its doors in 1970, Parkway Forest YMCA Child Care Centre has impacted the lives of thousands of children, and become a support system for families in the diverse and growing community.
From its original location at, the child care centre has moved to a space within the Parkway Forest Community Centre where it will continue to provide quality licensed child care programming for families – many whom have just arrived to Canada and need help adapting to a new country. The centre’s diverse staff and commitment to the community has made it a place where families can connect, find guidance and join in celebration as they transition to living in Canada.
Fatma Rahim, a YMCA Child Care staff member, lives and works in the community and is a highly valued member of the Parkway Forest child care team. Fatma has impacted the lives of more than 3,000 children and families over the 33 years she has worked at Parkway Forest.
“Even if I’ve impacted just a couple of children or families that would be fulfilling and satisfying enough,” said Fatma, whose loving and approachable personality has made it easy for her to build a rapport with the families.
Providing a caring environment and helping break the language barrier has helped Fatma support the community in many ways. While the new building will be a place where families will continue to build relationships, Fatma will be retiring and spending more time with her family. She hopes to continue to contribute to the community by volunteering in the centre!
“It was always about the caring staff here at Parkway Forest, the passion and commitment of our staff is key,” said Medhat Mahdy, CEO and President of the YMCA of Greater Toronto, during the centre’s September 17th ribbon-cutting event. “Child care is very important to me. When my wife and I had our first child, I needed a lot of coaching – it felt like I was the only person with a child. I had so many questions, and the Y was there to help.”
The relationship built over the centre’s 45 years providing quality licensed child care programs have become a fundamental part of the lives of the children who attend Parkway Forest and their families.
Visit us our website for more information about the YMCA’s Child Care & Family programs.
