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McGaw YMCA Celebrates 140 Years of Community Connection

News /
President/CEO Monique Parsons is standing on the upper level track of the Sebring-Lewis Center holding a piece of cake with "Happy Birthday" and "Celebrating 140 years in Evanston" decoration. She is wearing a black shirt and with a black puffy vest with a YMCA logo on the chest. She is smiling.

Evanston, IL – The McGaw YMCA celebrated its 140th anniversary with a weeklong series of events, including the first-ever YMCA Day in Evanston on November 17, bringing together members, staff, supporters, families, and community friends to honor this milestone. On YMCA Day, festivities filled the historic building at 1000 Grove Street and the Children’s Center, where guests enjoyed vibrant decorations, signed a giant birthday card, and picked up special YMCA giveaways. The celebration continued into the evening with a community gathering hosted by McGaw Y President & CEO Monique Parsons, featuring an author talk by Morris (Dino) Robinson, founder of the Shorefront Legacy Center who shared reflections about the Emerson Street Branch YMCA from his revised book, Gatherings: The History and Activities of the Emerson Street Branch YMCA. Attendees had the chance to have books signed, view the official YMCA Day Proclamation, and enjoy birthday cake. Parsons reflected on the […]

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McGaw YMCA President/CEO Receives 2025 Mikva Award

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At its annual fundraising event, the Democratic Party of Evanston honored Monique Parsons with the Abner J. Mikva Award.  EVANSTON, IL — At its annual fundraising event on November 9, the Democratic Party of Evanston honored Monique Parsons, President and CEO of the McGaw YMCA, as this year’s recipient of the Abner J. Mikva Award. Each year, the award recognizes community members and volunteers whose exceptional contributions reflect the progressive values the organization promotes.   Parsons was selected from a distinguished group of nominees for her dedication to serving the Evanston community. Through her volunteer service as vice president of the Evanston Township High School District 202 Board of Education and her leadership at the Y, Parsons has worked tirelessly to empower youth and promote equity in Evanston. Her efforts exemplify both the spirit of the award and the mission of the McGaw YMCA.  The award was presented during the Democratic

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Season of Giving & Gratitude: Celebrating 140 Years in Evanston

Anniversary, News /

It’s McGaw YMCA’s Season of Giving & Gratitude, and this year we’re proudly celebrating 140 years of community, connection, and impact. Since 1885, the Y has been a place where lives are transformed. Join us as we celebrate this milestone year and continue the work ahead. Upcoming Events YMCA Day in Evanston and 140th Birthday Celebration — Nov. 17 Mayor Daniel Biss has proclaimed Nov. 17 as YMCA Day in Evanston, honoring our founding date and 140 years of strengthening community. Stop by the Y on November 17 to celebrate with us: All-Day Celebration – Main Lobby. Join us for birthday festivities, free Y swag (while supplies last), and to sign our giant 140th birthday card! Cake with the CEO & Author Talk: 5–7 PM, Chinnock Lounge. Join President & CEO Monique Parsons and author Morris (Dino) Robinson to learn about the historic Emerson Street Branch YMCA from his book,

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