YMCA of Metro Chicago Offers Financial and Stress Relief in Do...( CHICAGO April 14 -- The YMCA of Metr...),Health

CHICAGO, April 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago continues its efforts to help area residents cope with economic uncertainty and the increased stress levels that they are experiencing.

According to the American Psychological Association's Stress in America survey, 76 percent of Chicago residents cite money as a significant source of stress; 69 percent cite the economy; and 66 percent cite work.

From April 18-May 3, the YMCA will waive its typical joiner fee to encourage more area residents to utilize its facilities and participate in its programs as a way to relieve stress. Additionally, the YMCA has frozen rates to help people afford their memberships and has increased its available scholarship dollars.

"We have to give people a way to work out some of that stress, whether it's encouraging them to hop on a treadmill or giving their kids a safe place to be after school. We know budgets are tight but we're here to help. So if you're currently out of work or your family income has been reduced, we'll do whatever it takes to fit the YMCA into your budget," said Steve Dahlin, Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.

A YMCA membership includes the following benefits:

• $0 joiner fee April 18 - May 3
• No rate increases in 2009
• No long term contracts
• Financial assistance
• Member birthday gift
• Free family activities
• Summer discounts to Y programs
• 6 free guest passes

To find a YMCA near you, please visit www.ymcachgo.org.

Through its 65 locations and more than 100 extension sites, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago helps children learn and grow, teaches young people to lead, brings families clo
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