Annual Report: 2006
There’s no telling what they can
become.
Each day at the Y we witness transformations. Whether it’s an individual working to become their best self or a community pooling its resources to achieve a common goal, we are a change agent to help fulfill human potential.
We hope to open your eyes to our Y world- a world many of you helped create with your support and
involvement- and we invite you to belong.
When we dreamed of building a new Y in the Pilsen neighborhood, we couldn’t foresee the impact a fullservice YMCA would have on that area and Chicago’s near southwest side. Our previous center was landlocked,could only accommodate child care and limited youth programs, and lacked green space for play.
With Diana and Bruce Rauner’s generous commitment to children and the support of many others, a world of possibilities was revealed. Together we transformed the way people perceived the Y. A 2,000-squarefoot presence morphed into 60,000 square feet of pure energy and vibrant community involvement.Membership exponentially increased at a rate we couldn’t have predicted. Sixty children in childcare became 140. Youth development programs multiplied. Community partnerships were forged and members enrolled at a rate far beyond our expectation. This community fully embraced their new Y.
The opening of the Rauner Family YMCA in March 2006 epitomizes what the Y is all about- believing in what you can become. By listening to a community, we were better able to respond to its needs. By working with local leaders, we tailored the programs and services to current and future members. While our mission of service and commitment to communities does not change, our strength lies in our ability to transform and deliver programs that best meet local needs.
It is with great pleasure that the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago and its Board of Managers invite you to belong to our movement and live the mission.
We thank you for your continued and future support.