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Community Organizations

Northbrook does a lot to reach out to its residents and has many organizations and programs that are geared toward a variety of different age groups. Whether it is providing support for families in times of need or offering fun and educational opportunities for children and teens, the concern for the well-being of its people is apparent through the variety of groups that are there to serve them.

Serving over 200,000 North Shore residents, the North Suburban YMCA brings its family-oriented philosophy to the Northbrook area. Classes offered include everything from the performing arts to swim lessons, and the building also has areas available for party and event rental.

Another local group that helps reach out to the children in the area is Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook which strives to help children stay involved in positive programming and seeks to help those who may need counseling, mentoring or other assistance due to life circumstances. With efforts such as 24-hour crisis intervention, anger management classes, youth employment programming and a wide range of counseling options, this organization helps keep both children and their families on track and supported.

Family support comes in a variety of ways, and Northfield Township Food Pantry serves over 1,000 area residents a month through the assistance of donations and volunteers. In the summer, the organization accepts produce from the surplus grown in local gardens to share with those in need.

The North Suburban United Way also has a strong presence in the area, partnering with a variety of service agencies to bring needed programs and resources to the city and its residents. The organization works closely with local schools, government and community groups to both understand and address needs in the city and beyond.

The Jewish Council For Youth Services (JCYS) began in 1907 as an organization for young men, and over the course of their history, they have continued to grow and evolve. Programs the JCYS offers include elements of learning and recreation as well as helping participants develop a deeper sense of Jewish culture. Leadership development is a key component of the group’s mission as well. Director of North Shore Operations for the JCYS Brenda Weitzberg points out, “We are not a typical child care center; people can use us in a variety of ways. We can be here for families for many years and we also have people that parents can turn to if they need help.”

The summer camp programs at JCYS are extremely popular, with a varied selection to choose from to meet a variety of needs and tastes. Camp Red Leaf is one of the only accredited camps designed for children and adults with special needs in the Chicagoland area. North Shore Day Camp specializes in sports training, teaching kids everything from soccer to tennis. There are also local family center camps for preschoolers in Chicago, Buffalo Grove and Highland Park to choose from. JCYS also offers things throughout the year including early childhood programs, teen travel/educational programming and before- and after-school programs.

The reach of the organization extends beyond the youth they serve through their Board of Directors Experience. This leadership development program is designed to give young professionals a chance to experience being on the board of a philanthropic organization while simultaneously being exposed to and involved in leadership practices.

The Northbrook area has many groups that are completely dedicated to serving its residents. Whether large and well-known like the North Suburban United Way or smaller and more “grass roots” like the Northfield Township Food Pantry, these organizations help provide goods, services and programs that meet the needs of the people living in the area, and when the focus is on helping people, everyone wins.