Eatontown Woman Will Run Free Childcare Facility For Families In Need

EATONTOWN, NJ — This Thursday, a nursery called Pinwheel Place will open in Eatontown.

It is a licensed childcare nursery that offers families free, temporary child care for emergencies. It is believed to be the state’s only home-based relief nursery for families in need.

Pinwheel Place is supported entirely by donations.

Pinwheel co-founders are Eatontown resident Lynn Hawkins and her daughter, Quadhera Simmons. Hawkins adopted her daughter from a group home when she was just a toddler; Simmons is now 34. Hawkins said her daughter's story made her want to help struggling families in need.

According to Hawkins, the nursery is meant to be a safe haven for children when families face housing challenges, domestic abuse, medical emergencies, court appointments, job interviews and other urgent situations. Opening a nursery like this has been Hawkins' dream since 2016.

It cares for children up to 6 years old and is staffed by trained childcare professionals and volunteers. The nursery is located on a quiet residential street in Eatontown.

Their grand opening will be from 4-6 p.m. this Thursday, with opening remarks at 4:30 and they will be giving tours of the facility.

Families needing their services can call the nursery at 732-542-1026. Learn more about volunteering and supporting at PinwheelPlace.org