The YMCA of Metropolitan 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 25,000 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, with STEAM-based day camps, 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 17 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 empower 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. For more on our health equity efforts, please refer to the "Community Development" section.

Community Development: The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is an impact-driven nonprofit organization that responds to the changing needs and challenges of the individuals and families we serve, which includes 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 individuals and families; pioneering innovative youth safety and violence prevention programming; offering free access to digital resources through our community hubs and bilingual helpdesk support line; providing high quality early education and care; and serving as a vital community resource across the Chicagoland area and throughout the Midwest.

Residences: A provider of supportive housing since 1931, the Y operates two Single-Room Only housing facilities in Chicago's Lake View and Irving Park neighborhoods. The facilities serve 310 men with housing and case management to support the transition to stable permanent housing and employment.