Future of Rock River Valley YMCA Unveiled

This year the Rock River Valley YMCA has gone from red to black and is back to being financially stable. No money was borrowed to accomplish this goal.

Now the YMCA hopes to expand and renovate by building competitive gyms, new locker rooms and updated outdoor facilities enhancing what they currently have on the river. Plans include building an express YMCA in Cherry Valley.

To jumpstart their five million dollar capitol campaign a private donation of $250,000 was recently made. The Y is targeting the 93% of Rockford's population that isn't involved in wellness or family programs.

President and CEO of Rock River Valley YMCA Mike Brown said "that's who we're after, so by expanding our efforts and putting the Y in their community it gives us an opportunity to open up the doors and ensure that quality facilities continue to exist in Rockford."

The YMCA will also start an open doors policy. The new policy allows staff to let a family know how much it will cost to join based on income and size much more quickly. The former policy included tedious paperwork for families to receive financial assistance.