ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The YMCA celebrated the ribbon cutting of its newest location in Rockford.
The Good Shepherd YMCA is located on North Rockton Avenue across from West Middle School. The celebration comes after nine months of construction inside the former church.
The cost of putting in necessities such as a fitness center, exercise studio and multi-purpose gym amounted to $3.7 million. In addition to those adaptations, there is also a dedicated youth program center.
Administrators said they are happy to bring services to a part of the community that is often overlooked.
“This community has experienced so much. So much has moved farther and farther east from this community. So, we been really grateful to put something back in and a resource back in,” said Good Shepherd YMCA Executive Director Becca Homb. “The vision for this place is really to be a place that’s for all. For everyone to experience welcoming and belonging.”
The location is officially open to members on Monday, November 18th, and youth and teen programs will return on December 2nd.