Since 1958 the YMCA of Chicago has contributed to the lives of boys, girls, women and men of all ages, races, and economic backgrounds. YMCA has taught children to swim; rescued young people from the hands of gangs, trained & helped adults return to the work force, provided prenatal care for needy expectant moms, has served transients with housing and supportive care for 150 years. This has been possible with the help of public service providers, government agencies, churches & religious organizations, neighborhood associations etc. YMCA of Chicago will continue to serve the needs of each community. Whether it be childcare, affordable housing, seniors who need support and guidance, sports and fitness along with other programs designed to help and assist the youth, teens, adults young and old.
Becoming A Member- How to apply YMCA is so much more than just a place to work out. The Y is a unique place, to be you, have fun while on the road to health & fitness. Families working out together are spending quality time getting to know each other; activities include everyone, no one member feels left out.
Membership- includes a one -time joining fee and monthly membership dues, rates vary among each branch. All facilities in the Chicago area have a fully trained staff to assist you in achieving your goals. There are so many exciting and engaging activities and recreational programs for an individual who joins or families large and small. Member savings are available on most YMCA programs that do require a fee. The facilities are clean and maintained to keep down germs and harmful bacteria.
Guest Privileges- for friends & family members, the best part of all is, No Long Time Commitment Contracts. Monthly memberships, can be cancelled at any given time. You are not locked in to any program .
Financial Assistance- In 2006 YMCA was awarded money for scholarships to help people if they cannot afford the programs. A waiver or reduction of fees is available. Tip#-If you do become a member you can pay dues on -line.
Health & Fitness Programs
Aquatics- YMCA teaches children how to swim,be safe around water, while developing water skills. Swim Teams– work on cardiovascular fitness, stroke development and training for competitions with a skilled coach directing the lessons. Swim Lessons for Child and Parent Together is offered. The classes prepare mom or dad to be ready to assist their children and apply what they both have learned in the class. The classes also emphasize exercise, parental education, safety and of course fun-filled excitement. Each child in the water must have a parent. Adults Program- adults can learn to swim with other adults if you already know how to swim and just want to brush up or improve swimming techniques, this class is for you. Youth Program- teaches personal safety, growth, stroke development, along with water sports and games. Exercise Equipment-state of the art cardio and strength training equipment, pools, gyms, plus babysitting. Get access to other membership facilities in the area.
Free “Commit to be Fit” Training Program
You will meet with a personal fitness coach 4 times during a 12 week period. The coach will answer questions, instruct you on how to use equipment properly, offering support and encouragement. Commit to Be Fit Classes-Fitness classes are for everyone. The” Y” will have a complete class schedule for the month. Classes are boot camp, core workout, circuit training, group cycling, low impact aerobics, Pilates (to build core and strengthen and lengthen muscles, also step aerobics.
Older Adults
Silver Sneakers Program-is designed for older adults and seniors. It is an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy life style, and for older ones of the same age to associate with one another. It allows them to take charge of their health and maintain an active, independent, life style.
Sports
Youth Sports-every child gets to play and participate in safe fun games, volunteer coaches, will encourage your child, they emphasize team work, teach good team values. Basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, T-ball, soccer and progressive gymnastics are the sports activities your child may be a part of. Adult Sports Programs leagues are open for participation as well as team support year round. Included are 5 on 5 basketball, volleyball, soccer etc. Call your local Y for more information. Family Adventure Guides- YMCA adventure guides is a program for strengthening bonds between parents and their children. The parent is the guide and the child is the explorer. Any significant adult in the child’s life can join this. It’s for children 5-9 years old. Some Y’s allow children under 5 to join the program too. An adult must accompany the child and attend programs activities together as a pair.
Human Service Programs
Childcare-The YMCA Metropolitan Chicago, has invested a lot in facilities and play grounds. In child care ,children can learn yoga for kids, and get swim lessons.With a child’s enrollment, you receive Free! family membership. This makes it easier and affordable. The child care facility also offers activity specifically for children 6 weeks to 12 years old. The big kids are able to go on field trips. The “Y also provides children with healthy snacks & meals, care for special need kids with disabilities, transportation from local schools for school age children, and child care.
Community Schools -Chicago public schools collaborate with the YMCA to offer tutoring, help with homework, youth development programs, and field trips during the summer.
Crisis Intervention-this program is for high risk youths such as runaways, etc. Gang Intervention-The Street gang intervention program workers mediate gang disputes, promoting non-violent solution. The workers are knowledgeable and will assist youth during the day at school or on street corners at night. Other human services include housing for short term residents needing a place to stay. Senior Hud Apartments-for low income seniors with no place to live.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse-alcohol & drug abuse assessments and screening. Behavioral health counseling for youth who are at high risk of school failure, suspended, truant or expelled, is available. Prevention services to help youth avoid the pitfalls of violence, drugs and gangs.
Post-natal Services-moms to be &pregnant; teens gain access to health care, food, clothing, transportation assist, & family case manager. There is even assistance for pregnant teens that need to finish high school, while still pregnant.
Senior Home Care-If you are 60 or older and unable to perform all or some acts of daily living, trained caregivers will come to the home to help with tasks such as cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, personal care, and grocery shopping. Seniors pay a monthly co-pay to participate.
Work force Development – GED prep classes to earn a degree. Vocational training, career planning & job placement assistance for first time workers, dislocated workers, single parents, homeless people & others needing work support to enter the work force again stress free.
Youth Team Leader– personal and career advancement for African American & Latino students in ( 7-12 ) grade. YMCA Chicago provides programs that encourage interaction between youth and adult role models these opportunities are for youth to explore higher learning and get education geared to helping them receive better career options . Youth Government- encouraging high school students to develop leadership skills, it implements community volunteer projects and learning about city government. Teen Reach- Provides out of school activities to assist with academic performance. Mentoring &Tutoring-; adults provide students with mentors and homework help.
Donations-If you are ready to make a difference in children’s lives and want to donate. Your kind donation will help families who cannot afford to spend time together at a nice recreational center, a chance to do so. This keeps families together, and boosts moral. You can donate on line or at a volunteer Center. A tax receipt will be mailed to you.
Give Your Time- At YMCA a volunteer’s time and talent goes a long way, impacting the children of our future. Become a mentor for a teen or provide support for those that need it. To do this contact the YMCA branch nearest you, find out in what way you can volunteer. Examples of volunteer opportunities include mentoring or tutoring a child, teaching computer skills, coordinating group projects. Maybe teach swimming lessons, coach youth sports teams, serve as front desk greeter, assist with lawn maintenance, host a baby shower for needy moms, serve as an administrative assistant or help with activities during family night celebration.
Give -In Kind-a program for YMCA to accept gifts other than cash. Examples would be charitable contributions for real estate, art, life insurance, and vehicles. You will get prepared receipt and your gift will be given to the donor of in kind gifts.
YMCA’s in Metropolitan Chicago is where your family should be for a time well spent together, getting fit and having fun, a super combination. If you are young and single join the YMCA to gain more friends, volunteer, enjoy all the group sports. Spend time with people in your community that you have things in common with.
Locations in Chicago
Austin YMCA– 773-287-9120
Lakeview YMCA- 773-248-3333
McCormick Tribune YMCA-800-514-1224
Rauner Family YMCA-773-847-3115
South Chicago YMCA-773-721-9100
Wabash YMCA-773-285-0020
Irving Park YMCA-773-777-7500
West Communities YMCA-773-434-0300
Website-www.ymcachgo.org
