The vision for McGaw YMCA’s future is to become a place of belonging for all people at every stage of life. This strategic plan is the roadmap for how the YMCA will arrive at this destination.
EVANSTON, IL. The McGaw YMCA has adopted a new strategic plan detailing the organization’s focus areas for the next three years. The goals of the plan include an increase in school readiness and success in Y youth; becoming a leader in promoting mental and physical well-being; addressing nutrition and food security across our community; advocating for bridge housing as part of Evanston’s response to affordable housing; completing the Men’s Residence fundraising and renovation project; and a focus on providing more responsive services to address the ever-changing needs in the Evanston community.
Rooted in the Y’s mission and vision, the McGaw Y will focus on four strategic priorities in these upcoming years: strengthening community & social responsibility; education & youth development; community health & well-being; and organizational excellence.
These strategic priorities reinforce McGaw YMCA’s commitment to securing its long-term financial sustainability and making investments in its staff and facilities so that it can deliver programs and services in Evanston that connect all people to their potential, purpose, and each other.
“The McGaw Y has always envisioned being a place of belonging for all people at every stage of life. Our strategic plan, which was developed in partnership with our community, outlines the intentional changes we need to make to become that place of belonging for Evanston,” said Monique Parsons, President/CEO.
The strategic planning process began prior to the onset of COVID-19, with McGaw Y conducting research, interviews, and feedback sessions with diverse community voices. The key community needs that emerged from that planning process ranged from vital services around mental health, well-being, and education to support for food and housing insecurity.
Stakeholder feedback also identified the importance of the YMCA’s role in leading social change to address inequities and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. The McGaw YMCA has both a capacity and a willingness to acknowledge past harm, intentionally lead, and boldly model how equity and inclusion can impact and strengthen the foundations of the Evanston community.
“Building on what we’ve learned from our past, our strategic plan helps to guide our steps forward with a comprehensive commitment to our mission and a focus on becoming an anti-racist, multicultural organization where everyone can be, become and belong. This is our commitment to our community,” added Parsons.
As McGaw Y carries out its strategic plan, there will be a continuous focus on equity, capacity building, and community impact while creating deep partnerships that will inspire collective action throughout the Evanston community.
To view McGaw YMCA’s full strategic plan, please visit https://bit.ly/mcgawstrategicplan.