SYSTEMS CONTROL SENIOR Executive Assistant Nikki Bowers, left, and Northern Lights YMCA Child Care Director Heather Poll stand outside the Little Sparks Child Care Center classrooms at the YMCA in Iron Mountain. The center will add another infant room in coming months. (Submitted photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Northern Lights YMCA Dickinson Center and Systems Control have announced an extension to a child care partnership first formed in 2018.

The new pact carries the relationship through 2024.

“We want to thank Systems Control for their continued support and shared vision for the future as we continue to provide the best child care service possible for the community,” NLYMCA Executive Director Jonathan Ringel said. “This partnership has had positive impact on so many levels and we’re excited to see that continue into the years to come.”

As lead partner for Little Sparks Child Care Center, Systems Control is able to offer its growing employment base exclusive access to licensed child care.

“It continues to be a huge need among our employees, and we’re excited to carry on and grow this partnership with the YMCA so that we can make sure we’re best meeting the needs of our employees and their families,” Systems Control Human Resources Director Bridget Kennedy said.

Systems Controls employees receive exclusive benefits in Little Sparks Child Care Center, including waiting list preference. As part of the new agreement, employees will now have access to part-time and evening care.

The YMCA is currently expanding the center from three rooms to four with the addition of another infant care space. Systems Control employees will have first access once the room is set to open. Systems employees also receive discounts on YMCA day camps for older children.

Another new element to the renewed partnership is a 25% YMCA membership discount to all Systems Control employees.

“We’ve seen high use of our facility by Systems Control employees and their families,” Ringel noted. “Being able to offer a membership discount to all their employees only made sense so that others can join and achieve their health and wellness goals.”

YMCA membership also includes free group exercise classes (excluding spin), a change put in place in early 2020.

“Our goal is to recruit the best employees possible,” Kennedy said. “This growing partnership with the YMCA aids in that process.”

The Northern Lights YMCA Dickinson Center, 800 Crystal Lake Blvd. in Iron Mountain, is a fitness and wellness hub that serves nearly 3,000 members in the community. The center annually provides almost $100,000 in financial assistance so everyone in the community has access. For more information, go to www.nlymca.com/dickinson or contact the YMCA at 906-774-4076.

Headquartered in Iron Mountain, Systems Control specializes in engineering and manufacturing of equipment enclosures and control and relay panels used in electrical transmission and distribution substations across North America.