Rockford nonprofit celebrates new home for its mission to improve youth mental health through movement

June 18, 2025|By Kevin Haas|In 815 News, Rock River Current, Local, Rockford, Trending, Business, Business/development, Positive & Uplifting, News

Bridgett Coleman talks with Elliot Ganet on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Rockford Barbell, 208 Kishwaukee St. At right is Nick Votava. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A nonprofit that works to help youth with their physical and mental health through weightlifting, yoga and healthy relationships celebrated the grand opening Wednesday of its newly expanded facility.

Rockford Barbell joined with the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Tom McNamara and state Rep. Maurice West to cut the ribbon on its facility at 208 Kishwaukee St., which is at the corner of First Avenue and Kishwaukee next to the Rockford Patriots Boxing Club.

“This is a space for all kids and families,” said Elliot Ganet, the nonprofit’s executive director. “It’s a symbol of our service to kids and families here in Rockford.”

The nonprofit’s mission is to improve the social and emotional well-being of youth through mindful movement and trauma-informed practices. It offers a free after school weightlifting program for youth ages 10-18, working to improve young people’s physical and mental health through movement and mentorship. There are also youth and adult yoga classes.

Rockford Barbell also offers memberships for adults who want to work out during times when youth programs aren’t filling the space. The money from those memberships helps support the nonprofit, which also receives funding from the half-cent mental health sales tax and various donations and sponsorships.

The 6-year-old nonprofit moved from its home on Third Street to its new digs in October. “We’re finally at a place where we’re ready to show it off to everybody, so you can see all the hard work that our team has put in and all the time we’ve put in with our kids,” Ganet said.

Elliot Ganet, executive director of Rockford Barbell, speaks Wednesday, June 18, 2025, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the nonprofit’s new facility on Kishwaukee Street. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

The facility is stocked with barbells, dumbbells and other strength-training equipment. There is also room for group instruction and space for families to connect. Ganet said the nonprofit’s new home is a reflection of the organization’s commitment to building resilience, empowering youth and cultivating healthy relationships within the community.

Rockford Barbell started in 2019 with just a handful of friends, all who were educators with a shared belief that taking time for movement and connection matters, said Nick Votava, associate director of Rockford Barbell.

“Not long after we got started the pandemic hit,” Votava said. “While it brought a lot of challenges, it shed light on the need for connection and the importance of mental health for us and our children.”

Six years later, Rockford Barbell now serves 400 kids a year through its programs.

“This new facility represents six years of hard work. Six years of gathering equipment piece by piece. Six years of designing, adjusting and readjusting space to make it inviting and supportive,” said Mary Diduch, yoga program leader. “Six years of conversations, meetings and community outreach to spread the word on our mission.”