YMCA of Metro Milwaukee offers child care to first responders, medical personnel fighting COVID-19 pandemic

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As first responders and medical personnel put in long hours fighting COVID-19, the YMCA of Metro Milwaukee has stepped up to help them with child care. 

"The last thing they need right now, our first responders, is to worry about the safety of their own families," said Carrie Wall, president and CEO of YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee.

The Y announced Monday that it's creating two emergency response centers "to care for the children of first responders" -- one at Advocate Aurora, near St. Luke's Hospital in Milwaukee, and the other at the Rite-Hite Family YMCA in Brown Deer.

There, the kids will be cared for by a staff that's almost double what's usually required for programs like this. 

"The children will be split into small groups and practicing social distancing at least six feet away."

The centers will also offer educational programs for the kids. 

The first center opens Tuesday in Milwaukee. The second one opens Wednesday in Brown Deer.