OUR IMPACT
The Y helps people discover a renewed sense of positivity, passion, purpose, and belonging. Find your Y today.
The McGaw YMCA is a leading nonprofit in our community and is committed to strengthening Evanston by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. We believe that in order to strengthen communities, we must understand the current issues and foresee the future needs of the people and communities we serve. We are guided by our strategic priorities and measure success by our positive impact on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
The true value of the YMCA isn’t in our treadmills. It isn’t in our swimming pools. It isn’t even in our fitness classes or kids programs. At the Y, our true value is transforming lives. It’s providing healthy food to families, outreach to neighbors, and safe places for youth to learn, grow, belong, and thrive. Join us in making our community a better place for everyone.
Find what matters most. Find your Y.
600 kids engaged and empowered
The McGaw YMCA serves more than 600 children and teens each year, helping them to see the power in themselves as they cultivate the skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement.
1,500 kids and families connected to the outdoors
Our summer day camps and overnight camps at Camp Echo provide 1,500 kids and families with a chance to explore the wonders of the outdoors while discovering hidden talents and passions.
1,100 kids safe around water
From lakes and oceans to swimming pools, water is everywhere. The McGaw Y is here to help kids and adults of all ages and abilities gain the swim skills needed to become strong, competent swimmers. Each year, we provide swim lessons to approximately 1,100 youth to help create a safe waterfront community.
156 men in supportive housing
Up to 156 men reside at the YMCA and receive supportive housing, life skills, and other resources to live and work.
One of the largest employers of youth in Evanston
We believe young people have the power to change the world. The McGaw YMCA employs over 300 people year-round and over 200 seasonal employees each summer and is one of the largest employers of youth in Evanston. We estimate that around 150 staff work at McGaw YMCA who are age 24 and younger, and they all can be changemakers.
Continuous response to urgent needs
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our YMCA has responded to our community’s most pressing needs. In 2021 alone, McGaw Y provided children and families in our programs with over 78,000 meals as more Evanstonians face food insecurity.
Community Partnerships
We partner and collaborate with organizations that share our same vision for Evanston’s future, including other nonprofits, and organizations such as Evanston/Skokie School District 65, Northwestern University, and the City of Evanston.
Donors & Volunteers
The McGaw Y connects people to a greater sense of purpose and to each other to help make Evanston stronger. People of all backgrounds find their connection and discover what a gift it is to give their time, talent, and financial support to the McGaw YMCA.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
The McGaw Y recognizes that the effects of systemic racism show up in every aspect of society, from disparities in health care and education to housing, employment, and more. We're on a journey to become an anti-racist, multicultural organization within all areas of the Y.
How will you find your Y?
The true power of the Y isn’t found within four walls. The Y is in the hearts and actions of every neighbor who believes in our vision of a better “us” and a stronger community for all. When you get involved with the McGaw YMCA, you get so much more than a gym. It’s a chance to connect with neighbors, develop skills, explore new interests, and give back to others. Whether you join as a member, participate in a program, volunteer, donate, work here, or a combination of these activities, the Y helps people discover a renewed sense of positivity, passion, purpose, and belonging.
Join the Y | Work at the Y | Enroll in Y Day and Overnight Camps | Register for Programs | Donate or Volunteer
Our Strategic Roadmap
In 2021, we developed a strategic roadmap to help guide the McGaw YMCA on our four-year path to further meet our vision and mission, focus our impacts in the short- and long-term, and build organizational capacity.