By: Ashmar Mandou
To help provide safe spaces and keep teens active this summer, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago announced the launch of the Get Summer Program, a partnership between YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago and the City of Chicago. The Get Summer Program will provide Chicago teen’s ages 12 to 18 free memberships at seven YMCA locations across the City.
“The Y has always believed that every young person deserves a place to grow, thrive, and discover their potential, regardless of their zip code or family income,” said Adam M. Alonso, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago President & CEO. “This year, the Get Summer Program will remove barriers and open our doors to the teens of Chicago. We hope they come in, use our pools, our gyms, and our fields, and leave feeling stronger, healthier, and even more connected to their communities.”
Through August, teens will be granted free access to YMCA fitness centers, gymnasiums, basketball courts, swimming pools, and recreational spaces, among other opportunities. The partnership is designed to keep teens active, build community, and away from trouble this summer. In addition, Mielle Cares, a Chicagoland-rooted foundation dedicated to the mental wellbeing of teens and communities across Chicago, announced plans to launch a $250,000 Summer Opportunity Fund focused on expanding safe, welcoming, youth-centered gathering opportunities across the city, including the YMCA’s Get Summer program.
“This effort is intentional: it will move quickly, complement existing public investments, and demonstrate what is possible when philanthropy and government work together on behalf of Chicago’s youth,” said Shonta Connolly, Executive Director of Mielle Cares. “We are proud to stand alongside our partners at the YMCA and answer the call from city leaders to invest more deeply in our youth.” Participating YMCA Locations:
• Irving Park YMCA — 4251 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60641 (Old Irving Park)
• Kelly Hall YMCA — 824 N. Hamlin Ave., Chicago, IL 60651 (W. Humboldt Park)
• Lake View YMCA — 3333 N. Marshfield Ave., Chicago, IL 60657 (Lake View)
• McCormick YMCA — 1834 N. Lawndale Ave., Chicago, IL 60647 (Humboldt Park)
• Rauner Family YMCA — 2700 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60608 (Little Village, Pilsen)
• South Side YMCA — 6330 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago, IL 60637 (Hyde Park, Woodlawn)
• West Garfield Park YMCA — 4305 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60624 (West Garfield Park)
For more information about Get Summer Program, visit your nearest YMCA location or visit ymcachicago.org/getsummer.
