Early Learning Center
The YWCA of Pekin’s Early Learning Center would like to thank our wonderful community for the outpouring of support for our families and ELC kiddos! Because of the generosity of the Pekin community, over 20 families (most with multiple children) experienced many gifts under their tree this year. It has been overwhelming to watch the PILES of gifts enter the building each day, and the appreciation on the faces of the parents as they load the gifts into their vehicles. BUT, if that wasn’t enough, the community also provided over 80 new books to our childcare center. On December 20th, one book was sent home with each child in our center to ensure that we continue to encourage literacy in each and every home of our YWCA students. “Thank you” does not seem like a big enough statement to express our immense gratitude to our community! 

Aquatics & Fitness
December was a great month of growth and celebration in the Aquatics Department and Land Fitness. Our warm water therapy pool has been a wonderful place to spend the cooler days, but not just because it is warm. There are many great classes that are taking place as well as swim lessons for all ages! We offer pool rentals all year long, along with the option to rent a party room as well. The winter is a great time to come in and enjoy the warm water! 

Land Fitness classes are growing like crazy around the YWCA! Stop in and check out our Boom Muscle, Boom Move, Boom Mind, and Classic SilverSneakers classes. 

With a new year comes new insurance options; check your insurance for any fitness plans, SilverSneakers, Renew Active, Active & Fit, or many others. Many of these options will allow you to utilize our Aquatics Department, Cardio Room, and Land Fitness all at no out of pocket expense to you. Also, ask your employer what benefits they offer for wellness and fitness. 

YWCA of Pekin
Thank you, Pekin and surrounding communities for supporting us through another wonderful year. I am humbled to live in a community that cares so much for one another. The YWCA of Pekin was officially “put on the books” with the State of Illinois on October 20, 1928. Each and every year since then the community of Pekin has supported the YWCA of Pekin through donations, memberships, sponsorships, volunteerism, and cheerleading. The YWCA of Pekin has continued to grow in membership, in facility size, and in community impact because of the tremendous support. As we closed out 2024 and enter into 2025, we are looking forward to the continued impact we will have on our Pekin community. As Ellen Johnson Sirleaf stated, “The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.” I promise you that all of my dreams for the YWCA of Pekin scare me—they seem as though they are impossible, but I know, with the incredible community that surrounds us, and the community in which we continue to build, we will accomplish amazing things! Thank you for this amazing year!