SPRINGFIELD— HSHS St. John’s Hospital has entered into an agreement with the YMCA of Springfield, Ill. to give the Y use of its grassy lot at the northwest corner of Union and Fourth Streets, just east of the downtown YMCA campus for activities, outreach, fundraising, overflow parking and more. St. John’s will rent the lot to the YMCA for one dollar a year. The agreement is in addition to the Y’s use of the parking lot at the former Prairie Diagnostics Center at 401 E. Carpenter Street for overflow parking.
“Creating this additional agreement will assist the YMCA in their service to the Enos Park, medical and downtown districts,” said Matt Fry, HSHS St. John’s Hospital president and CEO. “The Y’s mission aligns with our own, and we are happy to help them in their efforts to create a healthier community for all.”
The mission of HSHS is to reveal and embody Christ's healing love for all people through high quality Franciscan health care ministry. It’s core values of Respect, Care, Competence and Joy are lived by all who work at HSHS and felt by all who use its services.
The YMCA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. With a focus on four core values of respect, responsibility, honesty and caring, the Y works to make our community stronger, healthier, and more connected.
“We are thankful to HSHS St. John’s for allowing us to use their grounds and parking lot. We are excited to have more space for safe play and safe parking. They share our commitment to the community, and this helps us provide an even better Y experience for more people,” said Angie Sowle, CEO of the YMCA of Springfield.
For more information about the YMCA of Springfield visit springfieldymca.org. For more information about HSHS St. John’s Hospital visit st-johns.org.
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About HSHS St. John’s Hospital
HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois is a regional medical center offering a comprehensive array of health care services to central and southern Illinois. Founded in 1875, St. John’s is the flagship hospital of Hospital Sisters Health System and is home to the Prairie Heart Institute, St. John’s Children’s Hospital, St. John’s Women’s Services, St. John’s Neurosciences Institute, St. John’s Cancer Center, orthopedic services and AthletiCare. St. John’s now has one of the most advanced surgery centers in the nation and a renovated patient tower. St. John’s is designated as a level I trauma center, has its own college of nursing and is a teaching hospital for the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. For more information about St. John’s Hospital, visit www.st-johns.org.
About the YMCA of Springfield
Since 1882 the YMCA of Springfield has worked to provide opportunities for individuals of all walks of life. The Y serves men and women, boys and girls of all ages, religions and economic backgrounds through programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The YMCA has two main facilities – Downtown and Kerasotes – with over 20,000 members. A volunteer board of directors provides leadership to the Association, a member of the national organization – the YMCA of the USA. The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women, and children – regardless of age, income, or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but also to deliver lasting personal and social change. www.springfieldymca.org and www.ymca.net