Dear Valued Members of the Kishwaukee Family YMCA,

We are overjoyed to have you as a member of our Y and helping you with your health, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle, and connecting with friends and family.  Our goal has always been to provide the cleanest and safest spaces while providing programs and services to meet the needs of all members, and to welcome you with the highest standard of customer service you have grown to expect from us.

YMCA Mission Work

As a member of the Y, you belong to so much more than a gym.  You are part of a cause-driven community.  Our mission is anchored in our cause to nurture youth development, foster healthy living, and inspire social responsibility.  Listed below are some of our mission accomplishments.

• We do not turn anyone away for financial reasons. If anyone cannot afford our prices, we will find a way to get them membership and / or involved in our programs.
• Invested over $450,000 to subsidize programs, making them free or reduced to our participants.
• 877 children, adults, and seniors enjoyed full YMCA benefits on financial assistance when they otherwise could not afford it.
• 804 seniors are engaged in activities that enhance connections and overall well-being.
• 6,700 meals and 14,100 snacks were served to children in our programs. This ensures the children receive at least one healthy, well-balanced meal each day they are at the Y.
• 316 youth experienced safe and fun activities during YMCA summer day camps. Four out five of these campers received financial support.
• Supported educational learning for 284 students through our Before and After school program.
• 1,107 children received swim lessons through the Y and learned lifesaving water safety skills. Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in children in the United States.
• LIVESTRONG, Pedaling for Parkinson’s, and Project Phoenix all helped build strength and confidence in individuals dealing with their needs at no cost to the participants.

These are just some of the items we do at the Y for the community, and I guarantee that other fitness facilities do not do this.

2026 YMCA Membership Rate Increase

Beginning on January 1, 2026, there will be a small adjustment to our membership rates.  All membership categories will see a $1 per month increase.  This change reflects the rising operational costs we anticipate as we continue to invest in maintaining the exceptional quality of our facilities, services, programs, and amenities.  We appreciate your continued support as we remain committed to delivering a best-in-class experience for all our members. Visit kishymca.org/join-the-y/ or stop by the Front Desk for more information about our 2026 rates.

Please remember that if you or someone you know is unable to pay membership fees, we provide Open Doors / Financial Assistance for adults, children, and families in need through the generous support of our annual donors.

New Insurance Program Agreement

We are happy to announce we have just signed a contract with American Specialty Health (ASH). Under this contract, YMCA Members who participate in American Specialty Health Fitness, Inc. (ASH Fitness) programs will be able to get free or reduced YMCA memberships. We believe this will be a great financial benefit to our members.  The two programs we are supporting are:

• Silver & Fit (Ages 65+) – This program is offered to Medicare / Medicaid – eligible health plan members.
• Active & Fit Enterprise (Ages 18 – 64) – This program is offered to commercial – eligible health plan or employer group members.

Y Members who qualify will then be able to get a senior or adult membership at a reduced rate. If they are part of a family or household membership, then we will reduce their monthly fee by the appropriate amount.  More information on this new program will be available in the next couple of weeks.

Thank you for being a part of our Y Family!  We look forward to seeing you in 2026!

Brian Bickner – CEO of the Kishwaukee Family YMCA