LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Mercy Health–St. Rita’s Medical Center has officially opened its new childcare center, “Mercy Tots,” to support both its associates and the wider Lima-Allen County community.
The new facility was created in response to a growing need for safe and reliable childcare. With support from the Perry family and the City of Lima, “Mercy Tots” is now a reality.
“It’s critical for us that we’re supporting the community with the initiatives that we have in place,” said Ronda Lehman, president of Mercy Health–St. Rita’s. “And so while our own associates have a need, so do many other working parents in the community who also need childcare. And I think it creates a wonderful mix and a wonderful blend of kids that will be here.”
Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith said the center will help ease a major challenge for many families.
“It will provide a relief for working families in our community and available space for, you know, 100 young people,” Smith said. “We’ve talked about how, you know, child care is a workforce issue, and the ability to have quality child care for parents to bring their child to is amazing.”
The first day of care is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 2. Services will be offered for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years old who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten. Openings are still available. For more information, contact Aimee Kuhlman at alkuhlman@mercy.com.
