Capital Campaign

Since 1886, the YMCA has been strengthening the Rockford community by connecting
people to their potential and to each other. While our programs and facilities have changed over the years, our mission – to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all – has remained the same.

A COMMUNITY ELEVATED

Our mission drives us to seek out underserved communities, working with other organizations to meet the unique challenges faced by those who live and work here. After conversations with community members, a number of critical community needs were identified.

We created a Capital Campaign Cabinet of volunteers to help provide guidance. We are thankful for their support.

Mike Broski
Becky Cook Kendall
Don Daniels
Sara Deutsch
Lana Engen
Rick Engen
James Fambro
Patricia Fong
Michael Gann
Bill Gorski
Sue Gorski
Wray Howard
Dennis Roop
Skip Trotter
Toni Vander Heyden
Leslie West

EDUCATION SUPPORT

With a lack of early childhood education programs throughout our area and graduation rates well below the state average, the Y offers childcare and youth development programs that set all ages up for success.

EMPOWERING YOUTH

Our community has experienced a 100% increase in youth crime from 2019-2020. Youth and teen programs encourage and engage young people in the hours after school when they are most likely to engage in high-risk behaviors. The Y provides safe places for young people to gather and explore.

ENGAGING FAMILIES

In our post-pandemic world, families need additional emotional support and youth need extra help developing their social-emotional learning skills. The Y helps everyone find their community and a place to belong while reaching for their full potential.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

In the US, there has been an 8% increase in childhood overweight and obesity and 6 in 10 adults live with one or more chronic diseases. As a Y we offer fun and affordable ways to move more and targeted programs to help manage and overcome chronic diseases — including diabetes, arthritis, and cancer.

MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE

Riverfront YMCA Expansion

Remodeled and expanded spaces for people of all ages to connect and grow. We plan to improve the flow and access to the building with new entrances leading to highly visible, family-centered amenities. We are expanding the wellness spaces and creating spaces for families and youth to connect.

Early Childhood Education Center

Full-day child care center to support up to 120 children. The center will be attached to the Northeast Family YMCA and serve families in the east and northeast quadrants of the city. The goal is to prepare children ages six weeks to Kindergarten for a lifetime of learning.

Good Shepherd YMCA

The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd congregation gifted us the building across from West Middle School. We will renovate the sanctuary and program spaces to transform it into a YMCA. We will continue to offer a variety of programs with a strong focus on middle school and teens aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty, including food distribution, mental health, youth development, leadership and more. Additionally, we will open the wellness spaces to the community.

Through your support of the Elevate Campaign, lives will be transformed.

Capital Campaign Brochure Donate Online