Our Y is here to stay. In June, the former YMCA of McHenry County was officially named the Sage YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago to reflect a generous donation on behalf of the Foglia Family Foundation that enabled it to not only thrive, but enhance its offerings and facilities at its location in Crystal Lake.
“We are so grateful for the extraordinary partnership with the Foglia family and Sage Products,” said Heather Miller, regional marketing and development director for the Foglia and Sage YMCAs. “It is a perfect fit with the Y of Metro Chicago because the family and company are both committed to the mission of the Y: to foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
“Because of this generosity and commit-ment, we are able to look into future improvement to the facility in the years to come.”
Focus on Healthy Communities
It’s difficult to find someone who hasn’t at least heard of the YMCA from its deep roots dating back to 1840s London to everyone’s favorite disco sing-along.
The organization’s mission to build healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families and communities is well known worldwide and beloved by its members.
“Every day, our impact is felt when someone makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when a community comes together for the common good,” Miller said. “The Y offers programs and services for children, families and adults — supporting our mission of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.”
Member Benefits
The Y is not the only game in town when it comes to workout facilities, but its commitment to go above and beyond is what makes it unique and an important staple in the community, according to Miller.
“YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is one of Chicagoland’s leading nonprofit organizations, strengthening families and communities through hundreds of programs and services that focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” she said. “Fitness is but one aspect of the Y’s commitment to families. The Y runs after school programs, childcare, nutrition curriculum and more, including dozens of specialty camps.”
Today, there are more than 2,500 members of Sage YMCA. A membership affords access to the Y’s fitness facilities, classes, free family-friendly activities and more. The Y is looking into future improvement to the facility in the years to come.
What’s more, Sage YMCA offers com-petitive rates and does not turn anyone away for inability to pay a membership fee.
“We work every day to make sure that our members have the best experience possible when they walk through our doors,” she said. “Sage YMCA members have access to all Y of Metro Chicago facilities throughout Chicago-land. Members have also seen new programs and services since the Y of Metro Chicago has taken ownership, including free yoga, dance classes, archery, programs that teach youth sportsmanship and others.”
In the coming months, Sage YMCA will offer a variety of youth football, basketball and volleyball leagues, junior lifeguard classes and family nights.
A Legacy in Crystal Lake
The Y of Metro Chicago has a 150-year history in the Chicago area. In 1964, the Lake Region YMCA opened its doors in McHenry County. The name was changed to the YMCA of McHenry County in 1995.
On March 17, 2011, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago took ownership of the former YMCA of McHenry County. Finally, it changed to Sage YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago after the Foglia donation.
>> Sage YMCA is located at 701 Manor Rd. in Crystal Lake. For more information, call 815-459-4455 or visit www.ymcachicago.org/sage.
