Dear McGaw YMCA community, We are not okay. Over the past few weeks, our neighbors across the country and here in Evanston have endured countless acts of hateful violence, many of which were racially motivated. Whether it’s the nooses found hanging outside of Haven Middle School, the attacks targeting Black people in a Buffalo, NY, grocery store, the recent school shootings including the devastating loss of life at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX, or the ongoing violence that continues to harm families locally, we need to talk about how systemic racism and exposure to trauma is affecting our mental health and wellbeing. As an organization dedicated to creating a safe and supportive community where everyone belongs, the McGaw YMCA is committed to processing and reflecting on what is happening here in Evanston and across the country because actively addressing the root causes of violence requires everyone’s efforts. We also […]

The Board of Directors sets strategic direction and policy to support the Y’s mission and vision of becoming a place of belonging for all people at every stage of life. EVANSTON, IL — McGaw YMCA is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its Board of Directors. The appointment underscores the YMCA’s commitment to reflecting the unique talent and voices of Evanston’s diverse and vibrant community. The new board members are: Brandon Buchanan, Director, Health Equity, NorthShore University HealthSystem. Brandon is a is a writer, mentor, and community health advocate who is passionate about improving healthcare equity for people and underserved communities. In his role at NorthShore, Brandon is responsible for promoting the vision of health equity and developing interventions to eliminate health disparities and barriers to accessing high-quality and coordinated care. Brandon graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Community Health,