MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

Published 10.01.22

STAFF RECRUITMENT BRINGS BACK AMENITIES

It has been a busy summer here at the West Cook YMCA. Between programs and welcoming new and returning members, the Y has been busy hiring new team members and preparing to open amenities that closed due to the pandemic.

We are excited to announce that we have hired for the following positions:

• Director of Member Engagement and Services
• Associate Director of Marketing and Creative Design
• Competitive Swim Team Head Coach
• Member Engagement Representatives (4)
• Childwatch Manager

We are still recruiting for the following positions and believe we will have those filled in the next few weeks

• Director of Community Health and Wellness
• Fitness Professionals

With the increase capacity in staffing, your Y will be able to safely reopen Childwatch, our complimentary babysitting service for members, and our gyms, including bringing back basketball and volleyball. We continue to add to our schedule and we are pleased to offer complimentary group fitness, cycling, yoga, and water fitness. Our chronic disease prevention programs are launching as our staff finalize their certifications and this includes the much anticipated and missed Enhance Fitness class.

It's an exciting time to be a member of the West Cook YMCA. We look forward to welcoming new and returning members to enjoy all the amenities, programs, and services your Y has to offer. 

INVESTING IN OUR FACILITY FOR A BETTER EXPERIENCE

Plus, we are investing in the facility. This summer, we have completed maintenance projects with our pool. Next month, our Building and Properties team will be focused on deep cleaning, painting, and continuing to make improvements in the facility. Prior to the pandemic, the Y would close for two weeks in August for our annual summer recess. This year, our team will complete facility capital and maintenance projects to improve your experience without closing for two weeks. This month, we will clean and refinish all of our wood floor space such as both gyms and all three racquet ball courts. These spaces will be closed from August 13–19 and reopening Saturday morning, August 20. 

As a part of our child abuse prevention and safety commitment, we are installing a card reader for the boy's locker room. We will announce to all affected members when we have a confirmed date of this change being implemented. In the meantime, if you have a member in your household who is a boy under the age of 18, please bring his member ID to the front desk to receive a new ID card. This will ensure minimum disruption and long waits for new ID cards to be printed. Also, if your household has a male above the age of 18 with a member who is a boy, he can bring his member ID to the front desk to have their access updated.

MEET YOUR NEW DIRECTOR OF MEMBER ENGAGEMENT AND SERVICES

Luis Acosta joins the West Cook YMCA as your new Director of Member Engagement and Services. He earned his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Olivet Nazarene.

He brings over 15 years of nonprofit experience including program and service administration, philanthropy, donor engagement, and helping community members with their greatest needs.

Luis is married and is a father to two girls and a little boy with Down Syndrome. Parenting provides many new adventures in learning and involvement in a diverse and inclusive community. They have made the greater Chicagoland area their home and look forward to growing roots here.

Luis looks forward to building relationships with our members and ensuring each member feels welcomed, engaged, and connected to the West Cook YMCA. 

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS

The Y has been serving the community for 120 years. One way of service is through partnerships and collaborations. It is our honor to continue our partnerships with the following:

Alcuin Montessori: Providing swim lessons to students during the school year.

Early Childhood Collaboration: Providing memberships to early childhood staff members.

Menta Academy: Providing access to physical activity in the gym.

Rush Oak Park Hospital: Reducing risk factors through chronic disease prevention programs.

Soccer Alliance: Providing indoor gym space for practices.