Through partnerships with local and national foundations, the Y serves healthy meals and snacks to kids and families in YMCA programs throughout the year. EVANSTON, IL – Throughout the year, the McGaw YMCA has been working to address hunger in Evanston by ensuring that every child in YMCA programs has access to healthy meals and snacks. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), one in four children in the U.S. is currently facing hunger—nearly double what it was prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. As individuals and families continue to face the rising cost of food and other expenses, hunger continues to be a substantial challenge in Evanston and across the country. The YMCA is working to fill that gap. McGaw YMCA Family Service Manager Muriel Dorsey-Johnson prepares Grab-and-go Meal bags for distribution to Y families. The Y’s Food Program is part of a year-round effort to address child hunger.

McGaw YMCA President/CEO Monique Parsons was honored at the Chessmen Club’s Annual Community Service Awards Dinner & Benefit. EVANSTON, IL. – On Friday, October 14, the Chessmen Club of the North Shore, Inc. honored McGaw YMCA’s President/CEO Monique Parsons for her outstanding community service at the 64th Annual Community Service Awards Dinner & Benefit. Fellow honorees included Robin Rue Simmons, former Evanston 5th Ward Alderperson and Founder and Executive Director of First Repair, and Evanston Township High School Student Olivia Ohlson. Chessmen Club President Reynold Martin (L) and Treasurer Peter Braithwaite pictured with Community Service Award honoree Monique Parsons. (Photo credit: Genie Lemieux) The annual event honors Black leaders for their extraordinary work in their respective fields throughout the Evanston and North Shore communities. Parsons began her career at the McGaw YMCA as Vice President of Programs in 2005 and became Chief Operating Officer in 2012. She was appointed as