Moving Toward Enhanced Health Outcomes
Advancing the holistic health and wellbeing of our communities has long been a cornerstone of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s work. And the Y continues to evolve our programs and services in this area to respond to the changing needs of our communities. Youth basketball, independent and group fitness, and swim lessons for all ages are well-known Y offerings. But did you also know we boast one of the only Y-owned hockey rinks in the country, offer adult sports leagues, connect community members to mental health services, and provide customized resources and programming for groups such as active older adults and perimenopausal women? Now you do!
Community Health Navigation
The Y’s Community Health Navigator Program is dedicated to improving public health and individual wellbeing through a range of services that connect constituents to health care and other resources, all at no cost to participants. Trained Y staff are embedded in community, working both inside and outside the Y to identify those who need help navigating complex health care systems, and obtaining resources for mental and physical health.
“Serving as a Community Health Navigator on the West Side of Chicago, I am currently working with many individuals to help them navigate health systems with more knowledge and confidence,” said one of our team members. “I am always excited and inspired by my clients’ eagerness to learn, lead healthier lifestyles, and improve their quality of life!”
Community Health Navigators have found that community members have been especially appreciative of resources such as information about nutrition and available food pantries, movement-related opportunities, and workshops that address behavioral health and chronic disease prevention. Community events organized through this program have created welcoming spaces where people can connect with others, build a stronger sense of belonging, and feel empowered to make more informed decisions around health.
In 2024, the Y’s Community Health Navigation team conducted a total of 100 health events, with nearly 1,000 community members attending. The team completed disease-management assessments for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and high blood pressure, which have led to improved self-management and greater health self-efficacy among participants. Staff work closely with individuals to ensure they receive appropriate medical care and are connected to medical homes when necessary.
In addition to direct community support, the Y also acts as a community convener, facilitating space for collaboration with partners such as Northwestern Medicine and Wellness West, working together to support our community's health needs and drive collective impact.
IMPACT SPOTLIGHT:
Cindy,* a participant in the Y’s 12-week program focused on providing support to individuals navigating mental health and substance use disorders, expressed how grateful she was to see this program offered at the Y at no cost. She was connected to one-on-one therapy sessions and other support resources through the program.
“I was impressed by the quick follow-up. After signing up, I was contacted the very next day by a counselor, which made me feel supported right from the start,” said Cindy. “Talking to my counselor has been incredibly helpful in my grief journey. I finally feel like I have a safe space to express myself.”
Xavier,* attended a Back-to-School resource fair event at one of our Community Hubs in 2024, where he connected with a Community Health Navigator about the services offered by the Y. Before enrolling with the Y, and despite a number of health concerns, Xavier had not had a medical visit in more than three years.
“Now, I have access to health care (and an at home blood pressure monitor), a membership at the YMCA, transportation services, rental/utility assistance, a monthly food stipend, and nutrition workshops, all at no cost. My Navigator helped me apply for financial aid, and we have put together a plan to manage my hypertension and overall wellbeing.”
*Client names have been changed