Local Firm Partners with YMCA to Shine a Light on Covenant House Childcare Center

Grand Rapids, MI (July 17, 2019) West Michigan electrical services and industrial tech firm Feyen Zylstra, and the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids are working together to help area young people achieve milestones and succeed.
Covenant House Academy assists local youth with obtaining a high school diploma, learning life skills, and continuing a path to higher education. Part of the crucial services to academy students is child care provided by the YMCA’s Early Childhood Development Center on the school’s campus located at 50 Antoine SW. Feyen Zylstra upgraded the lighting in the center from outdated fluorescent to energy efficient LED fixtures.

“Our community is stronger when we work together,” says Nate Koetje, CEO of Feyen Zylstra. “The YMCA is a shining example of the incredible impact that comes from an organized effort by passionate people. It’s our hope that the lighting upgrade contributes in some small way to making the lives of the Covenant Academy students and their families better so they can achieve life-long goals.”

“The Y is grateful for the incredible partnership we have with Feyen Zylstra. This project is a wonderful example of their leadership, generosity, and commitment to community,” said Heather Walczewski, Associate Early Learning & Licensing Director, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids. “Together, Feyen Zylstra and the Y are working to engage and prepare our youth to become thriving, successful adults.”

Covenant House Academy is an alternative charter school with four campuses in Detroit and Grand Rapids, enrolling more than 900 students aged 16-22. Tuition is free with a self-paced environment allowing students to recover credits, earn a diploma, and pursue higher learning. The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids provides licensed, full-time childcare at no charge for enrolled students who require childcare in order to attend classes. The center is also open to anyone in the Grand Rapids community in need of regular childcare with all fees income-based.

About the Y
The Y is West Michigan’s leading nonprofit strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Through its various branches, including YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin, community outreach programs, and child care sites, the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is committed to improving the health and well-being of youth and adults. Y programs impact thousands of lives annually and respond to unique community needs across West Michigan. Visit www.grymca.org.

About FZ
Founded in 1980, Feyen Zylstra is an electrical solutions and industrial tech firm in Grand Rapids, MI with six regional branches in Michigan, Nashville, and Charleston. They are an industry front runner for the most demanding applications in the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical, low voltage, and automation systems. Their mission is to have a positive impact in the lives of their employees, customers, and the communities where they live and work. www.feyenzylstra.com