Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital has partnered with Kahler Slater and the Piedmont Family YMCA to develop an Early Learning Center on its Pantops campus, addressing the region’s urgent childcare needs. Scheduled to open in September 2025, the center will accommodate up to 148 children under age five, with priority enrollment for SMJH staff and first responders. With extended hours tailored to healthcare shift schedules, the center is designed to support work/life balance, strengthen caregiver recruitment and retention, and help ease broader childcare needs. This initiative reflects a strong community collaboration with support from the Martha Jefferson Hospital Foundation to establish a sustaining endowment to ensure the center’s long-term success.