Stories from the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

November 2009

 

While the school year is well underway, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Community Schools are still working hard to provide children with high-quality resources to support their academics, health and wellness. Through its partnerships with nine different Chicago public schools, YMCA Community Schools ensure that children are ready and able to learn and achieve higher standards when they enter school each day.

 

YMCA Community Schools offer a holistic approach to education, involving the family and community at large to create a supportive and nurturing environment that helps students and families succeed. We provide everything from homework assistance for students to financial education classes for parents to nutrition workshops for families. We are most excited about our Community Safety initiative which has been underway this past year, providing peacekeeping practices for the students, staff, families and communities.

 

Thanks to corporate citizens such as our largest program supporter, the Charter One Foundation, YMCA Community Schools are able to give our communities' children experiences that enrich the educational, social, emotional and cultural aspects of their lives.

 

The mission of the YMCA Community Schools is especially valuable to youth in Chicago’s more challenged communities, where children may face increased risks to their health and well-being. YMCA Community Schools have made it a priority to address these problems and to do all they can for children at risk. Through comprehensive and enriching programming, YMCA Community Schools aim to make sure families and neighborhoods are reconnected, safe, supportive and engaged.

 

As tough economic times like these show, it is essential for youth to be well prepared to be productive adults in the workplace and in their homes. YMCA community schools recognize this need and are ready and willing to help everyone – all day, every day, evenings and weekends.