YMCA of Metro Chicago Deepens Commitment to Community Safety Through CVI Grant Partnership

The YMCA of Metro Chicago is honored to participate in the Cook County Community Violence Intervention (CVI) grant program, administered by the Justice Advisory Council (JAC). This initiative invests in community-based strategies that address the root causes of violence and strengthen crisis intervention efforts in neighborhoods most impacted by systemic inequities. 

Through this partnership, the YMCA is expanding its teen programming and outreach in East and West Garfield Park, areas that have long faced disproportionate rates of violence. Our work focuses on prevention, intervention, and healing for youth, young adults, and families at the highest risk of involvement in violence. By collaborating with local organizations, schools, faith communities, and civic leaders, we aim to create safer spaces and stronger networks of support. 

This effort reflects the YMCA’s mission to strengthen communities and empower individuals. For over 160 years, the YMCA has been a trusted resource for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The CVI grant allows us to deepen that commitment by helping reduce harm, promote resilience, and build pathways toward hope and opportunity. Our commitment to Chicago’s West Side runs deep, with multiple YMCA centers, early learning and childcare sites, and community programs serving neighborhoods from Humboldt Park to Garfield Park. The upcoming West Garfield Park YMCA at Sankofa Wellness Village will build on this legacy, creating new opportunities for connection, health, and hope. 

The CVI initiative is more than a program. It’s a movement to reimagine public safety through community-driven solutions. Together, we are working to prevent violence before it occurs, intervene in moments of crisis, and support survivors with trauma-informed care. By investing in these strategies, we are building a foundation for lasting change and a future where every young person can thrive. 

Learn more about the CVI grant and its impact: Learn more