YWCA Metropolitan Chicago

Today, we honor Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States and recognizing the resilience, achievements, and enduring contributions of Black communities. It is both a celebration of freedom and a reminder of the ongoing work required to build a more just and equitable society.

As YWCA Metropolitan Chicago marks 150 years of service, we reflect on our responsibility to advance equity and eliminate racism, not just in words, but through action. The pursuit of justice is unfinished, and we remain committed to creating opportunities where every individual and community can thrive.

Learn more about the history and significance of Juneteenth: https://bit.ly/4edcSj3

Persistence. Patience. Determination.

After graduating from YWCA Metropolitan Chicago’s CONSTRUCT program in 2025, Earl Willis stayed committed to his goal of building a career in the industry. He continued showing up, attending job fairs, participating in interviews, and staying connected to the YWCA for support along the way.

Today, we’re proud to celebrate Earl’s next chapter as an Intermodal Equipment Operator at ConGlobal.

Earl’s journey is a reminder that success doesn’t always happen overnight, but persistence pays off. Congratulations, Earl! We can’t wait to see all that’s ahead for you!

Our Health Promotion and Navigation Services team hosted their annual Pamper Yourself Pink event last week, and what an unforgettable evening it was!

This heartwarming celebration welcomed over 130 breast cancer survivors along with their family members, friends, supporters, and caregivers for a powerful evening centered on breast health education, mutual encouragement, and meaningful community connection.

We're also deeply grateful to our partners, Advocate Condell Medical Center, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Nicasa Behavioral Health Services, and A Safe Place/Lake County Crisis Center.

📸 Andres Landeros

What do the data say about child well-being in Illinois?

The 2026 KIDS COUNT® Data Book from provides a trusted snapshot of how children and families are faring across four areas: economic well-being, education, health and family and community factors.

This year’s enhanced index helps better illustrate how outcomes for kids are changing over time — giving communities and leaders better tools to understand the progress that has been made and identify where more action is needed.

Explore the data: https://bit.ly/4ecIxQb

150 years. Countless barriers broken. More work ahead.

This year’s Leader Luncheon, Unapologetic. Unwavering. Unfinished. Since 1876., celebrates 150 years of advancing equity, expanding opportunity, and championing bold leadership across our communities.

As we honor this milestone anniversary, we recognize the leaders, advocates, and changemakers who refuse to settle for the status quo, those who never apologize for demanding more, never waver in their commitment to justice, and understand that progress is never finished.

Join us as we celebrate our legacy and recommit to the work ahead!

Sponsorship opportunities are now available. Secure your sponsorship today and stand with us as we shape the next 150 years.

From math bridge to construction site readiness, the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago CONSTRUCT 2026 cohort is building bright futures with ComEd as a partner.

Congratulations to Michael, Kiara, Benjala, Ryan, Brittney, Benjamin, and Koron for completing key milestones, including OSHA 10 certification, NCCER training, and hands-on construction experience through building a shed from the ground up.

What began as a bridge program became an opportunity to unlock potential, strengthen skills, and prepare seven participants for careers in the construction industry.

We’re proud to celebrate this cohort’s hard work, resilience, and commitment to building the future, literally!

bit.ly/ConstructAcademy

Children don’t get expelled because they’re “bad.” They get pushed out because their needs aren’t understood.

At YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, our Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation program helps teachers respond with empathy, not punishment, and it’s working.

100% of the programs we partner with say this support:
✔ Prevents suspension and expulsion
✔ Strengthens teacher wellness
✔ Improves outcomes for children

This is what happens when communities invest in mental health early.

Thank you to our partners at Addison Township, Bloomingdale Township, Lisle Township, and Naperville Township for helping make this work possible.

Every childcare program we partner with said the same thing: Mental Health Consultants are a valuable part of their program, helping prevent suspensions and expulsions, while supporting teacher wellness.

Our Consultants partner with teachers to better understand behavior, build connections, and create classrooms where children belong.

This is what it looks like when we invest in children early and support the adults who care for them.

ywcachicago.org/youthandfamily

I remember feeling overwhelmed trying to support every child in my classroom, especially those with more complex needs. I cared deeply, but I didn’t always feel equipped.

Through support and reflection, something shifted. I started seeing my students differently, not just their challenges, but their strengths, their interests, who they are as whole children.

That shift changed everything.

This is what happens when teachers are given the space, tools, and support to grow classrooms that become more compassionate, more inclusive, and better for every child.

ywcachicago.org/youthandfamily