1. south side fact sheet
When will the new center open? We plan to open our new center in mid-November. Our programs will not cease during our move. We will be located at 6600 Cottage Grove.
What are the hours of operation? The YWCA South Side Center will be open Monday through Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
What is the Model YWCA? The Model YWCA is a service model that integrates all of our programs to provide more comprehensive support for women and girls.  Our locations are technologically sophisticated, ground level, bright and vibrant. The Model YWCA brings together private, public and non-profit partners to create a network of community support for women and girls.
What is Economic Empowerment?  Economic Empowerment is a program of the Model YWCA that works with a woman throughout the course of her economic progress—helping her with job planning and placement, sustainability, career advancement, and asset acquisition, including home-ownership, savings, and investments. It includes one-on-one coaching, financial literacy and technology training, and mentorship.
What services will be available in November? In November we will offer the following services:
Sexual Violence and Support Services for adults and children
Young Parents Program support and education for expecting and teen mothers
Community Technology Center with open-lab
Economic Empowerment program piloting- one empowerment coach will work with a small group of clients on financial literacy, technology, office etiquette, and career coaching
What services will be available in January?
Racial Justice Piloting- includes a 3-part training for adults, youth prevention education and coalitions for racial justice
TechGYRLS
What are the dates for the upcoming fall semester of TechGYRLS?
The TechGYRLS program will run from the end of August to early November. It will conclude before our move in November.
What are the YW’s service areas?
The YWCA offers four types of services: Sexual Violence and Support Services, Economic Empowerment, and Early Childhood Services, and Racial Justice.
How was the Model YWCA created?
The Model YWCA was a result of nine months of demographic research, a survey of the workforce development field, conversations with YWCA staff at all levels, and an analysis of focus groups done with Chicago women, living in our target communities, who were earning $10,000-$30,000 annually. The Model YWCA is our shared vision for the future of our agency; how we provide services, where we provide services, and who we serve.
How can the community become a client?
If you are interested in becoming a client with the YWCA, you can visit our website at
What are the launch dates for new centers? Summer West side
Summer West Suburban
Summer South Suburban