More kids will get their feet wet thanks to the expansion of Evanston Swims!, a program that provides free swimming and water safety lessons to District 65 second graders.
The program, launched as part of the Evanston 150 project marking the city’s sesquicentennial, has expanded from three to eight schools.
The Evanston Community Foundation announced this week that it has transferred the Evanston Swims! Fund of over $17,000 to the YWCA Evanston/North Shore to support the program.
The program now will be managed through a partnership among the YWCA, McGaw YMCA and Evanston/Skokie School District 65.
Foundation CEO Sara Schastok said in a statement, “The time is right for the YWCA and the McGaw YMCA to provide coordinated management of the program for optimal planning and growth.” The program expansion will guarantee that many more Evanston second graders will have the opportunity to participate in it, Schastok added.
Bill Geiger, CEO of the McGaw YMCA, said the agencies as well as many community volunteers and donors have all come together to support the program.
“As we move forward in building and sustaining Evanston Swims!, we will need the support and commitment from our community to join with us to teach all our children how to be safe in the water,” said President and CEO of the YWCA Evanston/North Shore Karen Singer. “It is something we can and must do together.” Contributions can be sent to the YWCA noting “Evanston Swims! Fund” in the memo line.