The YWCA of Central New Jersey is excited to announce that the construction of our 24/7 Early Childhood Center is currently underway. The Center is scheduled to begin operation in Fall 2006. Located in Plainfield, this unique center will provide an unduplicated service to families throughout Central NJ: quality childcare around the clock. This is currently an urgent and unmet need of families who work other than the 9-5 workday, and especially for single parent families headed by women.

Recognizing the value of the project to both Central NJ families and businesses, friends of the YWCA of Central NJ are selling engraved brick to raise finds to help complete the Early Childhood Center. The Center is being constructed as an addition at the YWCA's historic headquarters.

YWCA Board member Elaine Merritt (GPSG) and TWIN Management Forum Board Member Gina Auriemma (TWIN '99, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company) visited the YWCA construction site recently and were inspired to launch a "Buy A Brick" initiative.

Co-chairs Elaine and Gine invite you to purchase a brick in support of the Early Childhood Center, and have it engraved with the name of a woman who has inspired you; your mother, a sister, an aunt, colleague or friend. Bricks with their engraved manes/ messages will be displayed prominently on the front walkway of the YWCA of Central New Jersey on Front Street in Plainfield for all who enter the building to see and remember. Additionally, all "Buy A Brick" sponsors will be recognized in the TWIN Journal in 2007.

The bricks cost $125 each, and all proceeds will be directed to complete and equip the Early Childhood Center, which will benefit women and families in our area for many years to come. The cost of the brick is tax deductible as permitted by law, payable by cash, credit card or check payable to YWCA of Central NJ.