West Cook YMCA

04/26/2025

This week we learned the importance of Know. See. Respond. and gained practical tools for preventing child sexual abuse—but our work is never done. The West Cook YMCA is committed to year-round prevention, and we hope you are, too! Stay connected and informed by visiting fivedaysofaction.org.

04/25/2025

RESPONDing starts when a child or teen feels heard and is helped. How can you take action to prevent child sexual abuse? The Trusted Triangle (for younger children) and the Safety NETwork (for older youth) are strategies from Lauren’s Kids Safer, Smarter Families Family Safety Toolkit. These resources are designed to help families and caregivers teach personal and digital safety in a comfortable and accessible way.


Grades K-2: www.safersmarterfamilies.org/grades-k-2
Grades 3-5: www.safersmarterfamilies.org/grades-3-5

04/24/2025

When we SEE grooming patterns—methodical, subtle, gradual, and escalating behaviors used to groom a child for sexual abuse—we can identify them, strengthen our intuition, and protect children. Learn the 6 grooming behaviors every parent or caregiver needs to know and what to do if you see them, from our partner, Saprea: www.saprea.org/blog/6-perpetrator-grooming-behaviors

04/23/2025

When evaluating camps, sports, and other activities for your child, do you KNOW what questions to ask about abuse prevention? As parents, caregivers, and trusted adults, we play a vital role in protecting children and teens from abuse. Learn the key questions to ask from Praesidium, the YMCA's partner in child abuse prevention: https://www.praesidiuminc.com/6-key-questions-a-parent-should-ask-of-an-organization/

04/22/2025

Five Days of Action® is back! April 21-25, the West Cook YMCA will participate in the campaign to increase awareness of child sexual abuse and how all adults can prevent it when we “Know. See. Respond.” We pledge to protect the children we serve, and we hope you will too! Head over to www.fivedaysofaction.org to sign the pledge & learn more! .

08/28/2024

The West Cook YMCA Competitive Swim Team’s Fall/Winter Short Course Season begins September 9th. Learn why your athlete should join the team today.

This is "West Cook YMCA Competitive Swim Team" by West Cook YMCA on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

12/04/2021

He did it!! 100 miles in less than 24 hours. You can still support Siva in reaching his goal through end of day, Monday, December 6th.

www.westcookymca.org/treadmill
Text "100miles" to 44-321

12/04/2021

Siva is in the homestretch. He just completed 75 miles. Help him raise $100 for each mile left to reach his goal. Give today at www.westcookymca.org/treadmill or text "100miles" to 44-321. 100% of donations benefit the West Cook YMCA.

12/04/2021

As Siva continues to run this morning towards 75 miles, we are only $644 from reaching $8,000 raised of his $10,000 goal. Support Siva by giving at www.westcookymca.org/treadmill or text "100miles" to 44-321.

12/04/2021

Halfway there!! 50 Miles in.

Siva has raised $7,356 for the Y. You can still help him reach his goal of $10,000 by giving today at www.westcookymca.org/treadmill or text "100miles" to 44-321.

12/04/2021

Siva has run 10 miles of his 100 mile Treadmill Challenge.

From Siva:
"I am running to raise awareness for the causes served by the The West Cook YMCA, a non-profit that has been providing services for 120 years to the Oak Park, Forest Park, River Forest, Melrose Park and surrounding communities. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, they re-innovated themselves to find ways to help those in need. As a volunteer Board Member, I had the opportunity to see the great work they are doing.

These are a few key highlights since the start of the pandemic:

1. 43,000 PPEs provided to older adults, staff and community partners
2. 26,000 hours of emergency childcare and remote learning
3. 11,000 meals to youth and residents
4. 1,000 wellness calls to older adult members
5. Resident program to avoid homelessness providing rent relief and access to telehealth and healthy meals

Please consider a donation of any amount to help this much needed cause, every dollar counts. All donations go directly to the West Cook YMCA. You can give by visiting www.westcookymca.org/treadmill or texting "100 miles" to 44-321."

Siva Balu