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Community Services

Empowering Our Neighbors To Learn, Grow & Thrive

The YMCA of Metro Chicago is dedicated to advancing all communities! We provide a range of activities, trainings, and resources to identify and reduce inequities. From health classes to prevent chronic disease to access to affordable housing and technology, we invest in making an impact to achieve better outcomes for all!

Supporting You in Every Way We Can

One of our greatest strengths is our ability to listen and respond to the needs of the communities we serve. The YMCA of Metro Chicago offers a wide variety of programs that ensure every member of our community is supported and cared for.
  • Irving Park YMCA

    Housing

    The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago has offered housing to low-income adults in the Chicagoland area since 1931, and is one of the largest supportive-housing providers in the Midwest today!
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  • People talking together

    Youth Safety & Violence Prevention

    The Y’s Youth Safety & Violence Prevention program (YSVP) is a comprehensive, trauma-informed approach to violence prevention that looks at past exposure to trauma as a main driver of future dangerous behaviors.
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  • Teens at Boys and Young Men of Color event at Camp MacLean

    Youth & Teen Leadership Program

    The Y offers multiple leadership and mentoring programs in safe, welcoming environments throughout the region — focusing on enhancing skills, building confidence, and improving academic performance.
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  • A man getting help in the tech hub

    Chicago Connected: Bilingual Computer Labs

    The YMCA of Metro Chicago is helping bridge the digital divide and offers bilingual in-person computer support at our Tech Hubs, which come at no cost to city residents.
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COVID-19 Support

The YMCA of Metro Chicago partners with the Illinois Department of Public Health to educate, promote vaccine confidence, and increase access to COVID-19 vaccines in marginalized communities.

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Sankofa Wellness Village in Garfield Park

Residents, faith-based and health care institutions, nonprofits – including the YMCA of Metro Chicago! – and other stakeholders in Garfield Park are working to revitalize the neighborhood’s commercial quarter and break the cycle of disinvestment through a new initiative called the Sankofa Wellness Village.

The Sankofa Wellness Village will create opportunities for West Garfield Park residents of all ages to have access to health and recreation services, business development, healthy food and the arts. The village, which is set to break ground in 2023, will serve the more than 17,000 residents of West Garfield Park and the surrounding communities.

Addressing a variety of needs, the Sankofa Wellness Center will bring an exercise facility and comprehensive health care for all ages, as well as a YMCA-run drop-in childcare services, a community-owned credit union and financial education classes.

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