What We’re Doing

What’s so special about the YWCA Northwest Indiana?

It’s a well-established institution. The YWCA of Northwest Indiana will celebrate its 100th year of community service in October 2020! The YWCA Northwest Indiana traces its roots to a branch office that was located at 30 E. 6th Avenue in downtown Gary. Established in 1920 with a strong commitment to serve, the YWCA has become a well-established institution – serving the community. In December 2000, the YWCA proudly opened a brand new facility located at 150 W. 15th Avenue in Gary, which houses the only indoor public pool in the city as well as a gymnasium, dance studio, fitness room, meeting center, located in Lake County. The YWCA of NWI provides a safe and clean environment in Gary’s urban core and is host to an array of health, education, social and recreation programs. The YWCA brings the community together with healthy, enriching activities for the mind, body and spirit.

It’s committed. Through programs serving children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly, including its “Yes We CAn!” youth enrichment programs, water and land aerobics classes, a free senior lunch program, its local Methodist Hospital and other health-related workshops, the YWCA of NWI is committed to programs that address community impact areas of Health and Education because of disparities that disproportionately impact the predominately African American population we serve including high school graduation rates; teen pregnancy; and lifestyle-related health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and stroke.

Its need is evident. The need for programs that address the educational attainment and health outcome disparities in the African American community nationally is well documented. Based on increasing membership and usage of the facility for educational programs, fitness activities, after-school programming, disease prevention, intervention programs and community meetings and events, the need is evident in the urban core of Gary.
Everything we do is anchored in our mission to empower women, families and eliminate racism. The YWCA Northwest Indiana want to keep the momentum going. We know that together, with your support, we are changing lives for the better.