YWCA Metropolitan Chicago

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

“They’re too young to have mental health needs.”

Not true.

Mental health starts early and support early changes everything.

At YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, our Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation program partners licensed mental health consultants with childcare centers and preschools. We support teachers, working with families, and connecting children to the care they need.

This is what early support looks like.

ywcachicago.org/youthandfamily

What does support look like?

Our Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants partner directly with teachers, helping them understand behavior, respond with care, and create classrooms where every child belongs.

This is what early support looks like in action.

ywcachicago.org/youthandfamily

Children don’t grow out of unmet needs; they grow through support.

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

Mental health starts before birth.

ywcachicago.org/youthandfamily

In the spring and summer of 1988, Gloria Chun Hoo was a key player in the YWCA USA new logo design.

It was the era of YWCA celebrating new beginnings with the implementation of the sunrise logo that ran from 1989 to 2004.

It was a defining moment that created persimmon as our signature color.

Thank you Gloria Chun Hoo for shaping YWCA.

Grateful for partners who turn purpose into action.

Our Chief Development & Brand Inspiration Officer, Emily Dreke, recently connected with the INSPIRE Women’s Resource Group at Nicor Gas, whose partnership continues to support breast cancer prevention and education through our Health Promotion and Navigation program.

Special thanks to YWCA Board Member, Marie LaPorte, for her leadership.

On May 18, we celebrate 61 years of National Head Start Association, a program that has transformed generations of children, families, and communities.

Since its launch in 1965, Head Start has been more than early education. It’s been a foundation for opportunity, supporting whole families through learning, health, and connection.

At YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, we see that impact every day. From first classrooms to first milestones, Head Start helps children build confidence, curiosity, and a strong start that lasts a lifetime.

Here’s to 61 years of unlocking potential and to the futures still being shaped.

We're so grateful for communities like Flossmoor Service League that support our South Suburban advocacy program.

This annual Flossmoor Service League Housewalk is a great example of how they help raise money for our work and a dozen local charities. 🏠🧡

Check out this post from Michelle For Flossmoor:
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I know it’s only Monday, but now’s the perfect time to make your weekend plans.

The annual Flossmoor Service League Housewalk is less than a week away. The event features four stunning Village of Flossmoor, Illinois homes and a stop at the Foundation for the Preservation of Flossmoor History building where an artist will be creating a work of art that will be raffled off.

Proceeds from the event benefit over a dozen local charities that focus on the essential needs of women and children.