CYC Foundation Swim School Support Triples in 2024
August 27, 2024
The CYC Foundation's support for community organizations' swimming programs tripled this year, from 120 participants in 2023 to nearly 360 this year. Under this model, the community organizations choose the swim instruction provider and facility, and the Foundation offers financial support to enable as many children as possible to learn this vital life skill, critically important for young people in Chicago, with its proximity to Lake Michigan.
"Since introducing our swim program last summer, we've seen tremendous enthusiasm from our partners eager to extend this opportunity to our youth who join us on the water each summer," said Francesca Sigmond, the CYC Foundation's program manager. "Our goal is to ensure that children across the city gain access to essential swim education, empowering them to feel safe, comfortable, and confident around water. I've observed a noticeable boost in confidence among our sailors who have enrolled in a swim program over the last year."
So far in 2024, the Foundation has provided more than $25,000 in total grants to four organizations: The Union League Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago, Youth for a Better Future, St. Joseph Services, and One Family Illinois (formerly SOS Children's Villages). The Union League Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago program was the biggest, with 300 new swimmers.
Youth for a Better Future (YBF), one of the Foundation's newest community partners, reported the swim lessons were a hit. YBF also participated in Adventure Boating Camp at the Chicago Yacht Club's Belmont Station this summer, and according to John O'Donnell of YBF's Advisory Council, one young participant, Kyell, was nervous about getting on the boats. He chose swim lessons instead and told his chaperone after the very first one, "I didn't want to come, but I'm glad I did!" John also noted that 9- and 10-year old sisters Destini and Paris both said the swimming was great were eager for more, asking if the lesson could be two hours instead of just 45 minutes.
One Family Illinois, whose grant provided lessons and equipment for 25 kids, was equally enthusiastic. "The vast majority of our youth have never had the opportunity to participate in swim lessons due to the prohibitive costs, not only of the lessons themselves but also the essential gear like swimsuits, goggles, and swim caps," said Delphine F. Rankin, One Family Illinois' CEO. "For many families, even $20 for a swimsuit can add up quickly, especially when multiplied for multiple children. Thanks to the generous support of the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation, which covers both the cost of lessons and provides stipends for necessary equipment, over 25 youth now have access to swim lessons—an invaluable skill that can impact their safety and confidence for a lifetime."
The Foundation hopes to continue supporting swim school into the fall, as most of the pool facilities the community organizations use are indoor. For more information, please contact programs@chicagoyachtclubfoundation.org.