Our Roots...

The History of Tri-Town YMCA…

The Tri-Town YMCA began as the YMCA of Lombard in 1966.  The “founding fathers” were quite literally fathers who were traveling to other towns to participate in YMCA Guides & Princesses programs.  They appreciated the benefit of YMCA programs in strengthening parent-child relationships and instilling essential values and traditions.  These concerned parents wanted to bring the YMCA to their own community, and became the nucleus of our first YMCA Board of Directors.

With existing YMCA facilities in Glen Ellyn and Elmhurst, the decision was made not to build another YMCA facility. It was determined that all local residents would be regarded as members, with no membership fee required for program participation.  We became “a Y without walls”, working in close collaboration with our local schools, park districts, churches, and others to bring our programs to the community at the lowest cost possible.

During the next two decades, many meaningful social programs were established including youth and senior resource and referrals, and a volunteer clearing house for senior services such as a homebound book delivery service in cooperation with Helen Plum Library.  Many of our programs were established during this time:  1971 – Day Camp, 1982 – Senior Feelin Good fitness program, and in 1986 our Y’s Kids after school enrichment program which has since grown to five sites.  In the next decade, our “sunshine” phone calls to seniors who were homebound or living alone began, and we introduced the Gernon Henderson Scholarship for students who demonstrated a positive attitude, and willingness to help others.

In 2000 the YMCA of Lombard changed its name to Tri-Town YMCA to better reflect its services to the tri-town area of Lombard, Villa Park, and Oakbrook Terrace.

Today the Tri-Town YMCA continues to offer programs and services which fulfill its mission:   to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. As a 501 (c) (3) charity, Tri-Town YMCA works hand in hand with caring community donors to ensure that their programs are accessible to all through fee assistance which is available on a sliding scale according to ability to pay. 

Programs place major emphasis upon: encouraging and supporting young people in their development, strengthening family ties, and promoting individual health and fitness.