O'FALLON ILLINOIS YMCA
Support Our Life-Changing Work
For 20 years, the O'Fallon Illinois Y has responded to the changing needs of our community, including Scott Air Force Base, and offered relevant and intentional programs and services - for all. With 25 percent of our members among active or retired military families, we are honored to serve those who serve our country.
To continue serving as a beacon for good and real change, we need to expand our existing space in order to provide the programming people demand. In addition, our growing community lacks early childhood education opportunities to provide the critical building blocks essential for children to have the best start in life.
With your help, we can create spaces that support our neighbors and help them thrive.
Need: There is a growing need for quality and affordable child care in our community. Young families are struggling to find a place where they know their child will be well cared for. Children who begin kindergarten without adequate preparation struggle to perform on par with their peers.
Our Response: We will build a new 7,000 square foot Early Childhood Education Center to accommodate 100 children, ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Our qualified, caring teachers will integrate STEM and 21st Century Skills to help children prepare for school and beyond.
Our Financial Assistance program will ensure they all families are able to benefit from quality care, regardless of their inability to pay.
Need: Kids spend an average of more than seven hours a day looking at screens. Many parents - especially single parents - struggle to find the time and support to be healthy. We currently don't have adequate space to provide superior care for all ages.
Our Response: A new Child Watch and Kids Adventure Zone will allow us to serve more kids and the entire family. These new age-appropriate spaces will provide an unplugged environment where kids can have fun, while being active and creative. Parents will have peace-of-mind knowing their kids are in the best care while they take care of themselves.
Need: Families and communities are increasingly busy, disconnected and isolated. Seniors and teens seek designated spaces where they can socialize and stay connected. Our facility lacks meeting space for education and small group gathering.
Our Response: New, multi-functional space will provide social and program spaces for seniors during the day and enriching opportunities for our tweens, including STEM and robotics, when school is out. With the new Community Kitchen, we can offer family cooking classes and education for our members. The space will also allow us to be a community resources, hosting local groups and providing a place for seniors to socialize and stay connected.
Need: Nearly two in three adults struggle with obesity and being overweight, contributing to incidences of chronic diseases. The stresses of today's world can take a toll without regular exercise and time for wellness.
Our Response: New state-of-the-art wellness spaces will allow us to expand our ability to serve more people and proactively address chronic disease. New studio space will provide more opportunities for wellness in a supportive and welcoming environment, while also offering flexibility to offer programs for all interests.
We have also planned an outdoor fitness space that will support the need to provide safe distances, while taking advantage of the benefits of being in nature.
Need: The Y is a trusted community partner and driven by Christian principles. A critical part of strengthening any community is having strong partners with shared causes. By uniting together, we can serve even more community needs.
Our Response: Partnering with a local church will expand the reach of our mission through collaborative programming for youth, families, and seniors. A partnership will bring new multi-functioning spaces and new community members into our Y each week for Sunday services, prayer groups, volunteerism, and so much more.
Need: Our facility is dated and not attractive to new members and families. Dark and closed areas prevent visibility between program areas.
Our Response: The entire facility will get a refresh, enhancing the building character and appeal. Our lobby and welcome center will provide an inviting first impression as guests enter.
Donation & Tax Details: The Gateway Region YMCA is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our tax identification number is 43-0653616. Contributions to the Gateway Region YMCA are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.