Our story didn't begin with a building.

It began with an idea: that our community deserved a place where people could come together, families could grow stronger, and everyone could have the opportunity to belong.

More than 65 years later, that idea continues to shape the North Suburban YMCA.

Ken and Alta Thiel believed deeply in the power of the YMCA and what it could mean for families in Chicago's northern suburbs.

With permission from the Evanston YMCA, Ken set out to establish a new YMCA in Northbrook with a vision of serving communities throughout the surrounding area.

Ken and Alta offered their own home as the Y's first office. With just one desk, one chair, and one telephone, the beginnings of the North Suburban YMCA took shape.

There wasn't yet a YMCA building. Programs happened wherever space could be found, including swim lessons at the local high school and family camp-outs.

But there was a vision—and a community ready to help bring it to life. 

What happened next says a great deal about who we still are today.

The community rallied around the idea of having a YMCA of its own.

Volunteers organized a grassroots fundraising campaign and went door to door raising the money needed to make the vision possible. Community organizations and local businesses stepped forward with support.

Property was donated by the neighboring Covenant Church, and community leaders gathered for a groundbreaking just before Christmas in 1967.

In March 1969, the new YMCA facility opened its doors. 

As the communities around us grew and changed, the Y grew with them.

Generations of local families came through our doors—learning to swim, playing in the gym, dancing in the studios, building friendships, and discovering new possibilities.

Over the years, additions transformed the original building into an 85,000-square-foot facility, while programs and services continued to evolve in response to the changing needs of the people we serve. 

What began as an idea in a family home became a place generations would call their Y.

Throughout our history, one thing has remained constant: when our community needs us, the Y responds.

During periods of economic uncertainty and times of significant change, the North Suburban YMCA has continued to adapt, find new ways to serve, and create opportunities for people to stay connected.

That commitment became especially visible during the challenges of the 2020s, when the Y continued providing charitable programs, financial assistance, connection, and a supportive place for the community. 

Because being a community organization means being there not only in the best of times, but when people need one another most.

Ken and Alta Thiel's belief in service helped establish a culture that continues at the North Suburban YMCA today.

Ken went on to become a respected leader within the YMCA movement, while the organization he and Alta helped establish continued to grow and serve generations of children and families.

Their legacy of leadership and giving continues through their daughter, Debbie Larson, and through the countless members, volunteers, donors, staff, Board members, and community partners who continue to give their time and talents to the Y.

The spirit behind the Rotary motto that was important to the Thiels—“Service Above Self”—remains reflected in the way our Y approaches its community.

The North Suburban YMCA has changed considerably since those early days of one desk, one chair, and one telephone.

But the idea behind it hasn't.

We continue to believe in bringing people together, opening doors to opportunity, responding to the needs of our community, and creating a place where everyone can belong.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding access, investing in innovative programs, and strengthening the foundation that will allow the Y to serve generations to come. 

Our story began with a community coming together to build a Y.

Today, that community is still writing the story.