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Construction is Complete! YMCA Early Learning Center at Sentara Martha Jefferson

A Dream Fulfilled

ELC Ribbon Cutting

"Some dreams are worth waiting for." --Carol Hurt, SMHH Board Chair

On January 16, hospital leaders cut the ribbon on the beautiful, new YMCA Early Learning Center at Sentara Martha Jefferson. The center fulfills a dream 30 years in the making: affordable, high-quality childcare onsite for SMJH team members.

Realizing the dream was a true community effort, and local media, community leaders, early childhood educators, and hospital supporters came out to celebrate. There were smiles all around exploring the colorful, light-filled space, which is ready and waiting for the first children to arrive and fill it with joy and energy.

Sentara staff have priority enrollment, and tuition is assessed on a sliding scale. To ensure that the center is accessible and affordable to all staff, the Martha Jefferson Hospital Foundation is working to establish a $5 million endowment to support the Early Learning Center in perpetuity.

Contact the Martha Hospital Foundation at 434-654-8258 for more information about supporting the Early Learning Center or use the link below to support tuition assistance for Sentara Martha Jefferson team members.

Hospital, YMCA and community leaders cut the ribbon
The Piedmont YMCA teaching team
SMJH Hospital leaders
Leadership supporters Susie Morris (left), Sharon Culbertson, Cynthia Stultz, and Jennifer Culbertson.
MJH Foundation volunteer leader Erik Greenbaum with hospital Board Chair Carol Hurt.
Leadership supporter Sharon Culbertson (center) and her daughter Jennifer (right) meet the staff at the new center.
Leadership support from Mary Minor Henderson and Betsy Stuart helped to build a beautiful outdoor playground
Piedmont YMCA Executive Director Jessica Taylor speaks with Charlottesville Mayor Juandiego Wade.
A YMCA early education team member enjoys her new classroom.
Lantz Construction team members.
The new space is designed to stimulate and inspire young minds.
Indoor slide for rainy days
Staff members were all smiles.
The YMCA Early Learning Center at Sentara Martha Jefferson

At A Glance

Number of kids: 148

Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years

Size of Facility: 13,250 sq. feet

Classrooms: 8, plus outdoor classrooms and play spaces

Food Services: Nutritious meals and snacks provided on-site

Operating Hours: 6:30am – 6:00pm (extended to accommodate healthcare shifts)

Timeline: Opens January 2026

Endowment Goal = $5 million

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All our team members are committed to serving this community, and they want to be here--but they can only do that if they have access to reliable, affordable, and high-quality childcare. Supporting working parents in this way directly supports the health of our entire community.

Pat Scherle

Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer