YMCA of Metro Chicago

Child Development: The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is committed to youth development. We believe every child and teen deserves the chance to reach his or her full potential. As one of the largest nonprofit organizations in Chicago, the Y offers a vast network of programs and services, including licensed child care, early childhood and after-school programs, day camps, youth sports, youth groups, and other activities that give more than 88,000 youth of all ages across the region a safe and nurturing place to learn, grow, and thrive. Our innovative youth programming includes an anti-bias literacy approach for early learning, a Youth Safety and Violence Prevention initiative, day camps with STEM, youth mentoring, and a Teen Leaders Club.

Camping: The YMCA's day and overnight camps are American Camp Association-accredited, which means the Y maintains the highest standards regarding program quality. The Y offers 38 day camps and 5 resident camps, including specialty medical camps for children with physical and mental disabilities. Each camp focuses on the three key drivers of impact that inspire positive youth development journeys: achievement, relationships, and belonging. Through Y summer programs, the social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development of all youth are nurtured and celebrated.

Health Enhancement: The YMCA is dedicated to providing fitness and healthy living programs that enable children, adults, and families to learn, grow, and thrive. Free community events, such as an annual Healthy Kids Day, offer educational and fun activities that promote wellness and the development of healthy lifestyle choices that benefit the entire family.

Community Development: The YMCA is a cause-driven nonprofit organization that responds to the changing needs and challenges of the individuals and families we serve, which include opportunity gaps in education, exposure to violence, parent and family engagement, food insecurities, and chronic health problems. We remain a lifeline for communities by providing free, fresh produce through monthly food distribution events for families living in food deserts; teaching nutrition, healthy cooking and sustainability classes for youth and families; pioneering innovative youth safety and violence prevention programming; and offering doula services for low-income mothers; and more.

Residences: The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago provides affordable single room occupancy (SRO) housing to more than 600 low-income adults across the region. The YMCA offers supportive services such as medical treatment, psychiatric care, case management, food, and clothing assistance often in collaboration with other community providers.