In Gothenburg, healthcare and community wellness don’t just work together — they share a wall. Since 2016, the partnership between Gothenburg Health and the YMCA has created something truly unique: a place where clinical care and everyday movement happen side by side. What began as a shared vision has grown into a powerful collaboration that expands resources, strengthens families, and helps the Gothenburg community pursue healthier lives.
A Shared Mission
The YMCA of the Prairie welcomed the YMCA at Gothenburg Health into the family in November 2016, and by the spring of 2018, the new facility opened its doors. The space includes a four-lane swimming pool, walking track, cardio room, group exercise room, Child Watch area, and a gymnasium. Thanks to this partnership, Gothenburg is the smallest community in the United States to have a YMCA — a reflection of what is possible when organizations unite around a common purpose.
From a healthcare perspective, the impact is significant. Roxanne Converse-Whitting, the Director of Community Education at Gothenburg Health, shares that “our partnership with the Gothenburg YMCA is incredibly valuable because it expands the resources and opportunities available to patients across our continuum of care.”
For the YMCA, the alignment is just as meaningful. “The partnership allows us to serve all the families of Gothenburg and the surrounding communities through finances and promotion, allowing us to be small, but implement big ideas,” shared Julie Czochara, Branch Director at the YMCA at Gothenburg Health.
Together, both organizations are living out a shared commitment to whole-person health — strengthening spirit, mind, and body across the Gothenburg community. And that shared commitment becomes most visible in the everyday moments of care and connection.
Bridging Care and Community
Because the buildings are physically connected, this partnership moves beyond convenience; it creates continuity. Cardiac rehabilitation and physical therapy patients use YMCA spaces and equipment as part of their treatment plans. That proximity allows care teams to think creatively and holistically.
“By having access to the YMCA’s equipment and facilities, our physical therapy, cardiac rehab, and pulmonary rehab teams can enhance treatment plans in ways that would not be possible within a traditional clinical setting alone,” Roxanne explains. “It also helps bridge the gap between medically supervised therapy and long-term wellness by introducing patients to a community space where they can continue healthy habits after completing formal rehab.”
At the YMCA, that transition is visible every day. “We get to see firsthand people in rehab graduating to a Y membership,” shares Julie. “We get to know the patients by name, and that is not only beneficial for their physical well-being, but mental health as well.”
The collaboration extends beyond rehabilitation. From Bingo Nights to the Thankful 5K Run, shared events and spaces create opportunities for connection. Commenting on this collaboration, Julie says, “We collaborate with the hospital for many events. Physical Therapy also uses the pool for patients, and we all share the gym equipment.” She adds, “You can do so much more when working together.”
Even hospital staff benefit from the connection. Commenting on the YMCA membership provided to staff, Roxanne shares, “One of the most meaningful advantages is the ability to support the health and wellness of our own staff in a convenient, sustainable way.” Because of this benefit, hospital employees can easily integrate movement into their day by taking a quick walk on the track during a break or working out after their shifts.
A Stronger Future
The true measure of this partnership is found in the lives it touches. Sharing a powerful example of a patient with COPD who once struggled to walk even short distances, Roxanne shared that through pulmonary rehabilitation and consistent use of the YMCA’s walking track, he gradually built up strength and confidence. “Over time, he built enough strength and confidence that he now walks regular laps on his own—so committed, in fact, that he considers it his ‘job,’” Roxanne adds. “Even after graduating from the program, he continues to show up consistently, maintaining the routine that has transformed his health and independence.”
Roxanne explains that stories like this reflect a larger truth: “This collaboration is improving lives, restoring independence, and helping our community members stay active in ways that matter most to them.”
Looking ahead, both organizations see even greater opportunity. “We look forward to the flexibility of programming because of the partnership we have with the hospital,” Julie shares. “It is a great match!” Roxanne echoes that optimism, saying, “The more we can integrate our programs, share resources, and make movement convenient for everyone in Gothenburg, the stronger and healthier our community will become.”
This partnership proves that in Gothenburg, healthcare and community wellness don’t just stand side by side — they move forward together.