The Gurley Leep Automotive family is investing $500,000 in the YMCA of Greater Michiana's new downtown South Bend early learning center.
To recognize the significance of the gift, the new facility will be called the YMCA Gurley Leep Early Learning Center.
“Our family has called this community home for a long time, and we want to see families here succeed,” said Mike Leep Jr., president of the Gurley Leep Automotive Family, in a press release. “When parents have a safe, quality place for their children to learn and grow, it can make a huge difference for the entire family.”
The donation is part of a $1.67 million capital campaign to build the 10,000-square-foot center on the first floor of the Downtown South Bend YMCA at 111 W. Jefferson Blvd. Other support includes a READI 2.0 grant and funding from the City of South Bend, United Way of St. Joseph County and from the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County
The space will include seven classrooms and areas to encourage play. The center will offer full-time care for up to 100 children from 6 weeks old through preschool. The center at 111 W. Jefferson Blvd. will be open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Caregivers will use the HighScope curriculum. Registration has already started.
Ancon Construction is managing the renovation. The daycare is scheduled to open in January 2027.
