YWCA Minneapolis Announces Closure of Uptown and Downtown Locations

The YWCA Minneapolis has announced the closure of its Uptown and Downtown locations as part of an organizational restructuring. The fitness, gym, and pool operations will cease on November 1, resulting in job losses for 12 full-time and 73 part-time staff members. The nonprofit plans to sell the buildings and find a new spot for families currently using the Downtown Children's Center. YWCA Minneapolis will focus on higher-impact programming, such as early childhood education, girls and youth, and racial justice and public policy programs. The Midtown location will be reimagined as a community hub. The decision is driven by the worsening disparities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with youth experiencing declines in education, mental health, and access to resources.