At the recent Urbana Lions Club meeting, Greg Hower, Executive Director of the Champaign County YMCA, shared updates on the organization’s growth and community impact. Hower, who began his role in February 2025, noted that the YMCA is now the largest child care provider in Champaign County.
A 2025 expansion has increased capacity to serve more families, supporting an annual budget of about $2 million and reaching over 3,000 adults and youth. The facility, built in 1999, offers before- and after-school care, free child watch for members, and a 24/7 fitness center.
Hower also highlighted new pickleball and adult volleyball leagues, as well as free youth programs like Kindergarten Readiness Camp and Inventors Camp at Camp Shiffer, which was donated in 2007. The YMCA provides scholarships, operates with no membership contracts, and partners with the Community Health Collaboration to promote wellness.
Upcoming events include the Invest in Youth Auction during Thanksgiving week and the annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day.
