The Rye YMCA will receive a $1.5 million New York State grant to develop an early learning center in Port Chester. The funding will be used to renovate the former All Souls Presbyterian Church at 55 Parkway Drive, creating seven classrooms for up to 103 children ages three months to five years. The new center is part of the Y’s $4.5 million investment to expand access to high-quality early childhood education in the Sound Shore region.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the state on this exciting project,” said Kathy Lynam, the Rye Y’s vice president for child care. “Not only will the new center provide critically-needed childcare for working families, it will also create 23 full-time jobs for local residents.”
In late June, Governor Kathy Hochul announced more than $106 million through the Child Care Capital Construction Funding Program to support 37 projects across New York State that will help create, preserve, and expand access to high-quality childcare.
Administered by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), the Child Care Capital Construction Funding Program provides reimbursement grants to support the design, construction, reconstruction, renovation, and equipping of licensed childcare facilities across New York State. The program helps expand access to safe, modern, high-quality childcare for working families and communities statewide.
The project has also received support through state funding secured by NYS Senator Shelley Mayer and NYS Assemblyman Steve Otis, who each secured $500,000 for the project, and Empire State Development, which is investing $100,000. Additional support has come from foundations and individual community members.
“We’re so grateful to Governor Hochul, our State Legislators, and to our donors for recognizing that childcare is a basic need for New Yorkers,” said Rye Y CEO Sabrina Murphy. “By addressing the acute shortage of affordable care, particularly for low-income, bilingual, and under-resourced families, this project will strengthen educational equity, economic mobility, and long-term community strength”.
“Building the center is only part of our commitment,” Murphy added. “We also believe every child deserves access to exceptional early learning, regardless of a family’s financial circumstances. Ongoing community support helps ensure that cost is never the reason a child misses this opportunity.”
The Rye Y purchased the former church building in July 2025 through a unique partnership with Rye Presbyterian Church, who purchased the site in 2022 for $1.00.
Construction at the site began in June 2026, and will include seven new classrooms, administrative offices, ADA-compliant restrooms, a dedicated outdoor play area, a new HVAC system and elevator, and enhanced security. The Rye Y’s new facility will also house community partners such as Five Steps to 5 and Food to Grow On, two local nonprofits which provide valuable services to the Port Chester community.
The facility renovations are expected to be completed in July 2027 with the Port Chester Early Learning Center opening in September 2027. As with all YMCA programs, financial assistance will be available to help make high-quality early learning accessible to those who need it most.
