Heart of the Valley YMCA Partners with Huntsville City Schools to Provide Afterschool Care

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (January 9, 2026) - The Heart of the Valley YMCA is pleased to announce a new partnership with Huntsville City Schools (HCS) as the official provider of afterschool care services in six elementary schools in south Huntsville: Challenger, Weatherly, Mountain Gap, Chaffee, Whitesburg and Farley elementary schools.

The YMCA began providing services this week, as children returned to school from winter break. “We are excited to expand our mission-driven childcare services to more families within the Huntsville community. It’s an honor to be entrusted with this responsibility and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Huntsville City Schools,” said Rob Gray, president and CEO of Heart of the Valley YMCA. “This collaboration allows us to bring the Y’s commitment to safety, enrichment and youth development directly into these school communities.”

 

Through this partnership, the YMCA’s professional childcare team will provide:

 

The YMCA will waive all new registration fees for HCS families through the end of the 2025–2026 school year.

“We are committed to providing a positive, enriching experience for every child and family we serve,” said Gray. “We look forward to building strong, meaningful relationships with these school communities as we work together to support student success and well-being.”

Safety remains the YMCA’s highest priority. All YMCA childcare staff are trained in child abuse prevention and must successfully complete a rigorous background check and drug screening as a condition of employment.

 

For more information about YMCA Afterschool Care programs, contact Stephanie Holloway at stephanie.holloway@ymcahuntvsille.org or visit www.ymcahuntsville.org/programs/child-care/after-school-care/

 

About the Heart of the Valley YMCA
The Heart of the Valley YMCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Serving families across North Alabama, the YMCA provides inclusive programs, services, and partnerships that empower individuals and build a healthier, more connected community.