Bayhealth’s Sussex County Child Care Center Project Granted $50,000 by M&T Charitable Foundation

The Bayhealth Foundation has received a $50,000 grant from the M&T Charitable Foundation to support the new Bayhealth Child Care & Early Learning Center on the Sussex Campus. This new center will offer Bayhealth team members working on that campus peace of mind, knowing their children have a safe environment to thrive.

The check was presented to Bayhealth President and CEO Terry Murphy and Bayhealth Foundation President Lindsay Rhodenbaugh by M&T Bank Regional President for Delaware Mark Hutton, during a recent visit to the regional headquarters of M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust in Wilmington.

“We continue to be grateful to the M&T Foundation for their efforts to support Bayhealth families,” said Rhodenbaugh. “Expanding to Sussex County is our way of supporting our Bayhealth team members who deliver our mission of serving the community every day, and offering their children a safe, nurturing environment that is full of opportunities to grow and learn.”

Bayhealth currently operates a childcare center at the Kent Campus in Dover, which consistently fills its 70 available spots and maintains a waiting list of more than 150 children. Many of those on the waiting list are from the Milford area and will greatly benefit from a closer facility. The new facility will be just steps away from Bayhealth Sussex Hospital doors, conveniently located for eligible team members with infants, toddlers and school-aged children.

“For those who have minimal childcare options in the area or currently take their children to the Kent Campus for care, the new site will make all the difference,” added Rhodenbaugh.

Bayhealth expects to open its new facility in the fall of this year with 102 available spots, which can grow overtime to 204 spots, giving priority to families currently on the waiting list who work at the Sussex Campus. The center will be open from 6 a.m. through 7:30 p.m., offering even more childcare options for employees who work 12-hour hospital shifts.

“Our teams at M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust are dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities we serve,” said Hutton. “By supporting Bayhealth’s expansion of childcare services, we are helping hardworking team members focus on their essential work while knowing their children are cared for in a safe, enriching environment. It’s a privilege to contribute to such an impactful project.”

Consider donating to the project today. Visit Bayhealth.org/Foundation, email Foundation@Bayhealth.org or call 302-744-7015.