About Us

Our Mission
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Our Cause
At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

Our Impact
The Y is, and always will be, dedicated to building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families and communities. Every day our impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when a community comes together for the common good.

Our Areas of Focus
Youth Development: Nurturing the potential of every child and teen.
Healthy Living: Improving the nation’s health and well-being.
Social Responsibility: Giving back and providing support to our neighbors.

Our History
The Pav YMCA is a chartered member of the YMCA of the USA. Pav YMCA is one of the nation’s 2,686 YMCAs which serve more than 21 million people, including 10 million children, through a broad range of programs focused on spirit, mind and body. YMCAs are for people of all faiths, races, ages, incomes and abilities.

The Pav YMCA was chartered in 1970 to serve the central Cook County, Illinois suburban communities of: Berwyn, Cicero, Stickney, Lyons, Forest View, Riverside, North Riverside. The Pav YMCA is a charitable, not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization with the mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

In fulfilling that mission, we never turn anyone away due to their inability to pay. It is no surprise that the Pav YMCA awards nearly $100,000 in fee assistance to individuals and families annually through our Strong Kids Scholarship Program.

The Pav YMCA has a diverse membership of approximately 11,000 individuals. Nearly one-third of our members are seniors. We are host to one of the largest SilverSneakers® Programs in the state of Illinois. Being a YMCA, we are also a leading provider of childcare services for the communities we serve. Our before- and after-school programs are offered on site as well as in South Berwyn and Riverside schools.

The Pav YMCA is an independent, community-based, full-facility YMCA and sees nearly one-half million visitors each year, an average of about 40,000 each month. We offer over 200 programs which serve individuals ages six weeks and older. Pav YMCA’s volunteer base is about 200 individuals, including our 20-member volunteer Board of Directors. The Pav YMCA annually employs a full and part-time staff of 163.

After initially providing programs and services out of storefront facilities, churches and schools, our YMCA facility was completed and opened in 1986. Since then, our building at the corner of 29th Street and South Oak Park Avenue in Berwyn has undergone two expansions, both within the last ten years – one to expand its second-floor Wellness/Fitness Center, the other to accommodate a handicap accessible elevator and a multi-purpose Teen/Senior Center.

Today, the Pav YMCA offers: an indoor family/lap swimming pool, sauna & whirlpool, complete wellness/fitness center, 1/10-mile indoor track, full-court gymnasium, two racquetball courts, dance studio, climbing wall/challenge course, outdoor basketball court, childcare, massage therapy and babysitting services. Independent chiropractic services and the Community Nutrition Network/Meals on Wheels are also housed in the building.