Building for the Future

Always building

More equitable communities

As we look to the future, we’re constantly thinking about how we can reach more people with our services, engage more people in our programs and classes, and encourage more people to take action to build racial and gender equity.

OUR EXPANDED CAMPUS AND NEW FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER WILL BE COMPLETED IN 2021.

Since 1931, YWCA Evanston/North Shore has been a force for social justice in northeastern Chicagoland. Empowering women and eliminating racism is our mission and the heart of what we do. With a strong record of community impact and a steady pace of growth, we are now working to expand our reach and do more for our communities.

l In late 2019, we started a campus expansion project, which features a new family support center, an expanded shelter, new tech-enhanced classrooms and a renovated aquatics center.

This project, accelerated because we vacated the building in March, is now due to be completed in summer of 2021. Our campus renovations will set the stage for decades to come as our work continues to grow and expand. l In August 2020, we acquired the Crowded Closet, a women’s consignment shop in Evanston whose net proceeds help fund our domestic violence and women’s empowerment programs. YWCA

Crowded Closet joins sister enterprise YWCA Shop for Good, a women’s resale boutique in Wilmette, which we acquired in 2018. The shared knowledge and single online presence of our two shops create synergy, and engage volunteers and the community, expanding our mission and visibility in the area.

“I became a volunteer in 2018. Recently widowed, I sought an opportunity to meet people and help my community. The experience changed my life, giving me amazing friends, new skills and creative challenges.”

- volunteer, YWCA Shop for Good