The West Cook YMCA, rooted in Judeo-Christian tradition, is dedicated to developing the spirit, mind and body of all persons through quality leadership programs and services, in cooperation with community groups for the common good.

We serve the Chicagoland communities of Oak Park, Forest Park, River Forest, Maywood, Melrose Park, Bellwood, Elmwood Park, Franklin Park, River Grove and Stone Park.

Join the YMCA and feel the difference in your life. Discover energy you never thought you had. Discover new friendships, new interests, new skills, or rediscover your family.

The TOPS Swim Team will hold new swimmer tryouts Wednesday, September 8 - Friday, September 10, 2010 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at the West Cook Y.

Registration information is available at the Member Engagement Desk or at www.topswim.org.

Dr. Jill Aardema of Flow Chiropractic will offer FREE Spinal Screenings at the Y on Thursday, September 9 from 9:00am - 11:00am in the Y lounge.

Oak Park, IL - August 3, 2010

West Cook YMCA swimmers made a big splash at two major state and national events in College Park, Maryland and Lincolnshire, Illinois last weekend.

Hanna Blankemeier, 10, of Oak Park, took first place in the 50- meter freestyle event for girls 10 and under in the Illinois State Age Group Championships July 30 - August 1 at Stevenson High School, in Lincolnshire. The event, which drew 800 participants from 84 swim teams, is regarded as the highest level of competition for young swimmers in Illinois.

We are changing how we talk about ourselves so people better understand the benefits of
engaging with the Y.

We are simplifying how we describe the programs we offer so it is apparent that
everything we do is designed to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve
health and well-being, and motivate people to support their neighbors and the larger
community.

Moving forward, we will be known as “the Y.”  That is how people refer to us informally. 

A more forward-looking logo replaces the logo that has been in place for 43 years.

• The revitalized logo, with its multiple color options, better reflects the vibrancy ofour organization and the diversity of the communities we serve.

We are making these changes because we want to increase our impact nationwide, and
we believe part of doing so involves helping people to understand what we do and why we
do it.  We estimate it will take up to five years to fully implement the new brand strategy. 

The Y has long been a respected nonprofit.  Recent research showed us, however, that
our cause and impact are not fully understood.

For more information, please check out the Y Facebook page and the great video they have posted here.

Also, see The New York Times article on the Y's brand revitalization and share with a friend!

We Promise:

• To provide excellent customer service.
• To appreciate the individulality and gifts of each person.
• To strengthen and build relationships.
• To model respect, responsibility, honesty and caring in all of our programs, services and interactions.
• To be a resource for health of spirit, mind and body.
• To serve as an asset to the community.
• To listen and care.
• To be known, practiced, owned and embraced by all employees of the YMCA.

Wednesday Journal - August 10, 2010
Local Swimmers Make Splast at State, National Levels

Oak Leaves - Monday, July 19, 2010
West Cook Y to Share In Grant To End Child Obesity