Buehler Family Foundation Investment Empowers Namesake YMCA to Expand Programs in Palatine Area
PALATINE, IL, July 28, 2023 — The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago today announced receipt of a strategic investment from the Buehler Family Foundation that will expand programming at the Buehler YMCA.
The $100,000 contribution will support early learning, swim safety, and youth mental health services for Palatine-area individuals and families.
“The Foundation’s gift is emblematic of their commitment both to the Y and also to the community at large,” said Ed Heiser, Executive Director, Buehler YMCA. “Because of the magnitude and areas of focus for this investment, it’s not too lofty to say that it has the power to literally save lives.”
A portion of the proceeds will expand a current Buehler YMCA program that offers $10 eight-week sessions of swim lessons and water safety to youth from low-income families. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for youth ages 5 to 14. Organized, accredited swim lessons, such as those offered by the Y, can dramatically reduce the risk of drowning for all ages.
Approximately half of the investment will upgrade and modernize early-learning spaces and technology to provide more local early learners with best-in-class education opportunities. A third portion will be used to construct private therapy studios within the Buehler Y and to support programs and services designed in partnership with The Bridge Youth and Family Services to directly improve the mental health of youth in the community.
“The Buehler Family and the Buehler Family Foundation are proud to be multi-generational members, supporters, and partners of the YMCA,” said A.C. Buehler III, President, Buehler Family Foundation. “No organization does more to equip our young people — and all members of the community — with skills and resources needed to thrive physically, mentally, and spiritually at all stages of life.”
For more information about the Buehler YMCA, visit buehlerymca.org.
About the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is the leader in accessible, inclusive programming for more than 300,000 individuals each year, strengthening community by connecting people to their purpose, potential, and each other. The YMCA of Metro Chicago is evolving to become a 21st-century social enterprise for the region, through an association of 14 centers, 5 overnight camps, and 100 extension sites throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest. Learn more about the Y's locations and programming at ymcachicago.org.
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Katy Broom
Director, Public Relations & Communications
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
312-932-1171
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