It Takes a Village...
A Hopeful Outlook for the Future
The concept of Sankofa is an important part of African culture. Sankofa is an Akan word from Ghana, West Africa meaning “to retrieve.” The symbol of a heart-shaped bird with its head turned backward, holding an egg in its beak symbolizes the idea of looking back to the past for guidance and wisdom, while still moving forward with a hopeful outlook on the future.
With your support, we can be a force for good and directly contribute to a healthier future for the greater Garfield Park community and future generations.
The Sankofa Wellness Village in Garfield Park
Residents, faith-based and health care institutions, nonprofits — including the YMCA of Metro Chicago! — and other stakeholders in Garfield Park are working to revitalize the neighborhood’s commercial quarter and break the cycle of disinvestment through a new initiative called the Sankofa Wellness Village. The Sankofa Wellness Village will create opportunities for West Garfield Park residents of all ages to have access to health and recreation services, business development, healthy food, and the arts.
The Sankofa Village Wellness Center will be the (literal!) center of the Sankofa Wellness Village, where individuals and families can access programs, offerings, and services that empower all people. As part of the Sankofa Village Wellness Center, the West Garfield Park YMCA will offer fitness and sports, childcare and youth programming, and more.