COVID-19

Last Update: October 19th at 9:29AM

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago is closely monitoring developments with COVID-19 and following the recommendations of public health experts. Click here to read the latest news from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Click here to read the latest updates from the City of Chicago. The health and safety of our clients, staff, vendors, and volunteers is our primary concern, and as a result, we are limiting access to our YWCA locations, suspending some programs and services, and making adjustments to the delivery of other services.

Click here for the latest Financial Empowerment Resources if you are experiencing any financial impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic or want to learn more about free financial education resources. Join our MPWR Parent Hub for activities and resources to use with your children via our RECESS^TM at Home offerings. Click here for other Community Resources including State of Illinois updates and response, information on food, housing, and transportation, support and guidance for parents, and more.

COVID-19 VaccineS

Fresh Meal Distribution

These arrangements will be effective through at least January 4, 2021. We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust accordingly. Please continue to follow us here and on social media for updates on programs, services, and upcoming events as plans are subject to change.

Remote Programs and Services

Wherever possible, we are transitioning the following to remote options (e.g. teleconference or virtual visits):

• Counseling (General and Sexual Violence Support Services)
  • Call (312) 733-2102 or (630) 790-6600 x1470 for general counseling
  • Call (312) 733-2102, (630) 790-6600, or (708) 754-0486 for sexual violence counseling
  • For more information on virtual support groups being offered, please call (312) 733-2102
• Home Visiting (Project HELP, Young Parents Program, etc.)
  • Staff are reaching out to clients directly to schedule virtual visits
  • FamilyWorks has now created a private Facebook Group for families to access current local resources
• Rape Crisis Hotline (will operate 24/7 as normal)
  • Call 888-293-2080 in Chicago Metropolitan Area
• Small Business Development Center
  • Call 312-762-2739 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM or email sbdc@ywcachicago.org to schedule virtual advisory services
  • Virtual workshops being scheduled for Side Hustle Saturdays
  • Those interested in child care business support specifically should email princess.gentry@ywcachicago.org

• Emergency Child Care
  • Essential workers in need of child care, should email emergencychildcare@ywcachicago.org or call 800-781-7247
  • Click here to download the application
• Training/Workshops (TechGYRLS, Digital Literacy, Childcare Provider Training)
  • All professional trainings are now virtual
  • FamilyWorks
  • TechGYRLS workshops have paused for the time being, but a private Facebook Group for Youth STEAM Programming is now available

In-Person Services

These services will be provided on a case-by-case basis and depend on federal/state policies. Staff will contact you directly for any cancellations.

• Medical & Legal Advocacy
  • Advocates currently restricted to meeting with clients at police stations and courts
  • The 40-hr Crisis Intervention Training is being offered virtually

NO ACCESS – Please refrain from going to these YWCA sites.

Program staff will be available remotely to continue providing services, so please look out for emails/phone calls with more details. You can also continue sending your inquiries through our online contact form to have the message forwarded to the right team.

• Bronzeville (Partners In Community Building)
• Englewood Satellite Office
• North Lawndale (Julian Grace Innovation & Technology Institute)
• Chicago Loop Administrative Office (Metro)

LIMITED ACCESS – Limited hours will be maintained with reduced staffing.

Please look out for emails/phone calls with more details. You can also continue sending your inquiries through our online contact form to have the message forwarded to the right team.

• Woodlawn (Laura Parks & Mildred Francis Center)
• Logan Square (Cynthia B. Lafuente Center)
• Chicago Heights (South Suburban Center)
• Illinois Medical District
• Lake County
• Addison, Illinois (Patterson & McDaniel Family Center)
• Chicago Housing Authority Sites (FamilyWorks)
• South Loop (StreetWise)

YWCA Events

Following the CDC’s guidance, all YWCA events being planned for more than 10 people are either being canceled, postponed, or moved to a virtual experience. Please visit www.ywcachicago.org/events for specific event information. If you have any other questions/concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out at info@ywcachicago.org or by participating in our next online Town Hall on Facebook. Click here to watch the last one.

These are challenging times for social impact organizations that are focused on supporting our communities while also keeping our staff and clients safe. Event cancellations and grant funding reductions may have significant implications for our operations and sustainability. We’re also looking at how we can supplement the resources available to the public as families struggle with housing, food, utilities, child care, and income reductions. If you feel compelled to help support the organization during this crisis, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. Any amount helps us as we make contingency plans for the near future! 

Thank you for your support and patience as we navigate this ever-changing situation, together!