For Immediate Release: The YWCA of Asheville will offer tuition-free childcare to staff members.
August 5, 2025 -- Asheville, NC -
Caring for the Caregivers: YWCA of Asheville Takes Bold Step Toward Childcare Equity
This new benefit is a direct response to what so many in our community already know: childcare is too often out of reach, even for the people providing it. Early childhood educators and caregivers are the backbone of our families, our economy, and our future. And yet, many still struggle to access consistent, affordable care for their own children.
“Providing tuition-free childcare for our staff is one way we’re living our values,” said Diana Sierra, CEO of the YWCA of Asheville. “We can’t say we believe in equity if the people doing the work can’t access the very resources we offer. This is about honoring our team and also calling attention to a system that doesn’t work—not just for us, but for Asheville, North Carolina, and the country.
This step forward comes as childcare centers across the region face critical staffing shortages, rising costs, and growing uncertainty made worse by post-Hurricane Helene recovery, recent funding cuts, and economic pressures on working families. It’s not just a funding issue—it’s a systemic issue, and it’s deeply felt here in Western North Carolina. We must remove barriers to employment in order to recover as a community. The YWCA is proud to stand alongside local partners like Western North Carolina Early Childhood Coalition, who have long led the charge in advocating for families, providers, and sustainable childcare solutions.
"Our region's child care teachers bring their skills, training, and compassion to work every day to support children and their families," said Greg Borom, Director of the Western North Carolina Early Childhood Coalition. "Yet, our national and state public investments do not offer the compensation and benefits that these professionals deserve. Western counties are losing early education teachers as they seek better-paying jobs. We continue to advocate for North Carolina to increase its investment in reimbursement payments to programs to better cover costs, and to create statewide workforce benefits for child care teachers."
The YWCA runs two early education centers for children from infancy through Pre-K. The new benefit applies to both centers and is available to all YWCA staff, regardless of position. While there is currently no designated funding source for this benefit, the organization is moving forward with the belief that caring for caregivers is both necessary and urgent.
To learn more about the YWCA of Asheville, our early education programs, or open job opportunities, please visit www.ywcaofasheville.org.
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Established in 1907, YWCA Asheville is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. They offer programs and advocate for policy change to bridge gaps in education, health, child care, and earning power for women and families in our community and beyond. You can reach them at marketing@ywcaofasheville.org.
