Dear McGaw YMCA community The tragedy at the Highland Park Fourth of July parade is a heartbreaking moment that has changed the lives of children, families, and an entire community forever. My heart is heavy as I think about their journeys ahead as they navigate the incredible pain and grief of surviving gun violence. Like our neighbors to the north, many children and families and community members were preparing to watch Evanston’s Fourth of July parade later that afternoon. Some were even planning to walk with me and other McGaw YMCA supporters along the parade route. Though our parade was canceled here in Evanston, we carry the weight of what happened in Highland Park, and what can and does happen too often in communities across the U.S. The Y works every day to transform lives and communities. Our work to become an anti-racist, multicultural organization depends on our willingness to […]

EVANSTON, ILLINOIS — McGaw YMCA is offering a variety of free outdoor fitness classes this summer. This series of fitness classes is designed to encourage physical activity and community well-being by providing greater access to fitness offerings in public spaces. Parent and Child fitness – Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays starting July 5. Join McGaw YMCA fitness instructors for Preschool Yoga, Oh Baby! Parent & Baby Fitness, and Oh Baby! Stroller Workout each week in Raymond Park beginning July 5. Classes are free and open to all. Registration is requested. For class schedule information and to sign up, visit bit.ly/mcgawohbaby. Pop-up in the Park fitness – Fridays starting July 8. Experience some of the Y’s most popular group fitness offerings with Pop-up in the Park classes. McGaw YMCA fitness instructors will be in Raymond Park each Friday starting July 8. Scheduled classes include HIGH Fitness, HIIT/Tabata, Yoga Flow, and Zumba. Classes

TAKE A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION The McGaw YMCA is partnering with the Arthritis Foundation for Walk with Ease, a free six-week community program that can help reduce pain and improve overall health, flexibility, strength and stamina just by walking. Walk with Ease is conducted in a group setting by a certified leader. Participants take 30-minute walks at the YMCA indoor track and learn stretching, warm up and basic exercise techniques. The program will help participants establish a progressive 3x week walking routine while experiencing the camaraderie of a group setting and benefits of a research-based program! Walk with Ease is free and open to the community. The program starts July 13 and will be held at the McGaw YMCA’s indoor track on Wednesdays at noon. Space is limited. Registration is required. Sign up online today!